Useful Information

Taxes

Most goods and services in Ontario are subject to both federal (5%) and provincial sales taxes (8%). These taxes are in addition to the price of an item. When these sales taxes are combined they are called HST. 

Times Zone

Cambridge is located in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) Zone, which puts it three hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. (when it's 2 p.m. here, it's 11 am. in British Columbia).  Daylight Saving Time is observed. Clocks are set one hour ahead in the summer, so there is more daylight in the evening. Clocks are set back to standard time in the fall.

Climate

The climate in Cambridge is typical of southwestern Ontario, with mostly moderate winters but the occasional deep freeze. In summer, the temperatures tend to be in the high twenties on the Celsius scale, and like most of southern Ontario, there can be stretches of high humidity creating some discomfort. On most days, Cambridge tends to be slightly warmer than Kitchener and Guelph, which are just north of the city.

The last frost date of the season is around May 11,[9] though most gardeners plant on the May 24 long weekend to be safe. Environment Canada issues frost warnings for the area from October 30 through to May 9.

[9]Farmer's Almanac – Kitchener Last Frost Date

Currency

In today's world, currency and exchange rates change daily. Check here for the latest rates.

All visitors to BC and Canada are advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving. Visitors can exchange currency at several points including:

• Canadian chartered banks

• Trust companies

• Credit unions

• Offices of foreign exchange brokers

• Canadian currency is also readily available from automatic teller machines (ATMs). 

Holidays

Ontarians celebrate 10 statutory holidays and one civic holiday each year.

New Year's Day (January 1)

• Family Day (Third Monday in February)
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Victoria Day (Monday preceding May 25)
• Canada Day (July 1)
• Labour Day (first Monday in September)
• Thanksgiving Day (second Monday in October)
• Christmas Day (December 25)
• Boxing Day (December 26)