Money Talks

On the road you will discover countless fantastic restaurants, events, and shops. Most of these will accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Most Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) will allow you to withdraw Canadian currency using your home bank-issued debit card; however, your debit card may not work at point-of-purchase terminals. A list of our major banks includes Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), TD Canada Trust, Bank of Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

If you are planning to visit during a weekend, be sure to book accommodations well in advance, as the warmer months can be very busy in our good province.

Roaming charges on your cell phone can get expensive. As an alternative, consider buying a pay as you go plan when you get here. Companies like Rogers and Telus offer competitive rates.

On the Road

Now to the road. Canada uses the metric system for its units of measure. That means that distances are measured in kilometres (km) and speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/hr). The speed limit for our larger 400 series highways is 100 km/hr and ranges from 70 to 100 km/hr on the smaller highways. Unless otherwise posted, the speed limit in residential areas is 50km/hr.

At our fuelling stations, you will notice fuel selections that range in octane levels, and these may appear lower than what you're accustomed to seeing if octane levels in your part of the world are measured by the Research Octane Number (RON). Our fuelling stations use what is called a road index, which averages the RON with the Motor Octane Number (MON).

And don't forget the rider wave! We bikers here in Ontario are a friendly bunch. When riders pass each other it is customary to wave.

The Rider Wave

Wildlife

Watch out for that Deer!

Ontario is home to thousands of animal species big and small. And be sure you are watching for them because some of these animals weigh more than a ton and tend to wander onto the road at night and at dusk. They can be very difficult to see under these conditions, and you do not want a collision with a 1500 pound moose! Reduce your speed when visibility is limited.

Health Care

Hopefully you will not have cause to visit one of Canada's excellent hospitals; but just in case, consider purchasing traveller's medical insurance before you arrive. In the event of an emergency dial 9 1 1 from any telephone and you will be directed to ambulance or police services.

Where to Start

Because Ontario is so massive, the ground you cover on your trip will be in part determined by the airport at which you choose to arrive. But have no fear; there are airports located in the northern, southern, eastern, and western corners of the province. You should be able to find a respectable motorcycle rental outfit within a reasonable distance from wherever you land, but be sure to call ahead!

Click here to use the official Ontario Tour Planner. The following articles contain more information to help you. Welcome to Ontario!

• Ontario Motorcycle Routes: A Complete Listing 
• Ontario Motorcycle Dealers and Repair Shops - The Complete Listing
• Ontario Motorcycle Clubs