Whether you’re an international or out of province guest, here are some tips to make your visit to Amherstburg, Ontario most enjoyable.

Driving

  • Wearing a seatbelt is the law in Ontario
  • Traffic signs are posted in kilometres. One kilometre is equal to .62 of a mile
  • Most city streets have a maximum speed limit of 50 kilometres per hour (Km/hr) or 31 miles per hour (mph)
  • Gasoline is sold by the litre. (For comparison there are 3.785 litres in a US gallon)
  • Police radar detectors are illegal in Ontario
  • Traffic must stop in both directions, except on divided roads or highways, for school buses when its red lights are flashing and stop sign is extended
  • Turning right on a red light is permitted unless there is a sign that states otherwise
  • When passing a roadside police stop or other stopped service vehicles it is the law to slow down and change lanes away from the stopped vehicle(s) if possible.

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Weather

  • In Canada, temperature is measured in degrees Celsius
  • To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply it by 9, then divide by 5, then add 32
  • Summers in Amherstburg range from 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Amherstburg experiences some of the country’s mildest winters

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Local Information

For information on weather, traffic, sports and more tune to AM800 CKLW, The Information Station. Alternatively, read the River Town Times or Windsor Star.

Currency

Canada’s currency is Canadian Dollars (CDN). Denominations of two dollars and lower are in coin. Although you may come across some pennies in circulation, they are no longer used or produced. All retailers will round the value of a purchase to the nearest $.05.

You will find most service providers accept the U.S. dollar. Currency exchange can be done at any bank. You will also find cash machines or ATM’s in all banks in Amherstburg. Credit cards will be accepted at most locations. However, it is advised to bring cash to any festivals or events. For exchange rates visit the Bank of Canada.

Language

English and French are Canada’s two official languages.

The Town of Amherstburg Tourism and Culture Department is committed to enhancing the vitality of English and French linguistic in which the public can communicate with and receive services in English or French in accordance with the Charter and the Official Languages Act (OLA). Further, the department supports and facilitates where possible, that heritage presentation programs take into account the presence of Official Language Minority Communities and work jointly with representatives of official language minority communities for the development of local, regional and national tourism infrastructure.

Age of Majority (Age to acquire alcohol)

By law, you must be 19 years of age and possess a valid photo I.D. to enter any drinking or gaming establishment, or to purchase alcoholic beverages or tobacco products in Ontario.

Smoke Free Initiatives

All public places are smoke-free. This includes stores, restaurants, festivals, all outdoor recreational facilities and parks. Smoking is permitted 20 metres away from these locations.

Tipping

When in receipt of good service, a tip of approximately 15-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard.

Taxes

There will be a 13% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) applied to most purchases.

Crossing the Border

To visit Canada, please visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.

To visit the United States, please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

For Detroit / Windsor tunnel tolls and protocol visit Ezborder Crossing website.

For Ambassador Bridge tolls and protocol visit Ezborder Crossing website.