Travel Guide 2023

Dear Student,

We are excited to welcome you to Niagara College – Toronto and to Canada!

Details regarding your health insurance policy information, student expectations, preparation for arriving in Canada, and packing suggestions are all included in this guide. Please see the following Table of Contents below for reference.

Insurance Policy Information

Welcome to guard.me!

Niagara College – Toronto will arrange for international medical coverage on your behalf through guard.me insurance.

We are pleased to take care of your insurance needs! Your guard.me policy provides emergency health insurance benefits for emergencies such as illnesses or injuries. Please review your policy documents to learn more about the benefits included in your plan, as well as policy limitations and exclusions.

guard.me policies will be ordered after the day 10 of the beginning of the term, however, the coverage begins from January 20th. If you need medical attention, you can pay and keep the receipts and submit your claim to guard.me after receiving your policy number.

Students arriving early are required to purchase their policy directly from guard.me. Below is the link to the information regarding early arrival insurance purchase process: Guard Me Insurance - Early Arrivals

To access your policy details and personalized ID card/claim form you will need to click the link: https://www.guard.me/niagaracollege/policydoc

If you do not have an account, sign up now so you can access your policy documents at any time, keep track of your claims and print your identification (ID) card. Always keep your ID card with you; you will need to show this to medical providers when you need emergency medical attention.

Emergency Assistance

Toll-free in North America: 1-888-756-8428

Call Collect: 1-905-752-6230

General Inquiries: (905) 752-6200

Email: customercare@guard.me

Address: guard.me International Insurance

80 Allstate Parkway Markham, ON L3R 6H3 Canada

Website: www.guard.me

Arriving at the Canadian Border

When you arrive in Canada at the airport or land border crossing, a Government of Canada officer will meet you and:

• ask to see your passport and/or travel documents (see list below)

• ask you a few questions to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements to enter Canada

Please note: The officer may ask further questions about when you intend to leave Canada.

Have the following documents ready to show the Immigration Officer:

• Valid passport and/or travel document which contains either:

• A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) OR

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you have an approved eTA, it will be linked to the passport that you used to apply for your study permit

• Letter of introduction the visa office sent you when they approved your study permit (this letter has your permit reference number which is used to issue your study permit)

• Printed copy of your Niagara College – Toronto Letter of Acceptance (LoA)

• Printed copy of your Niagara College – Toronto field placement letter (if applicable). To find out if you need a field placement letter, please contact the Niagara College – Toronto Career Services team

• Letters of reference, or any other documents the visa office advised you to bring

• Proof of financial preparedness; you must be able to demonstrate you have financial support during your stay in Canada – this can include your tuition receipt showing you have paid your tuition/school fees

• Disclosure of funds: If you arrive in Canada with more than CAN $10,000, you must inform the government officer. If you do not let the officer know, you could be fined, and your funds could be seized. This includes cash, securities that belong to you (for example, stocks, bonds, debentures, treasury bills), or bankers’ drafts, cheques, traveler’s cheques, or money orders

• Valid immigration medical examination results if the student comes from a designated country or territory (meaning a country or territory for which they are required), or if they are:

» A medical student

» A student in a health sciences field who will have placements in healthcare or homecare settings

» An education student who will have placements in primary or secondary schools

» Teaching small children

• Proof of full vaccination

Airport Transportation Scheduling Airport Transportation

Taxi services will be located at the exit of each terminal. If you book with a private company prior to arrival, be sure to have the reservation details with you. To help ensure a smooth transfer to your accommodations, we suggest AirFlight Services, a company independent of Niagara College – Toronto.

While we remind you that the airport service is not complimentary, we will be glad to pass your flight information on to AirFlight Services and arrange for them to reach out to you when you arrive. If you would like to use the service, please use this link to access the request form, fill it out and email the completed form to torontotravelsupport@niagaracollegetoronto.ca at least 3 business day before your flight. We will contact you with the next steps once we have the completed and signed form.

You can also choose to take public transportation. Union Pearson (UP) Express runs from Pearson Airport to Union Station in downtown Toronto in just 25 minutes. The first departure from Union Station is at 4:55 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), and leaves from Pearson Airport at 5:40 a.m. EST on weekdays and 6:40 a.m. EST on weekends. Trains run every 30 minutes, seven days a week with the last train departing Pearson Airport at 10:40 p.m. EST every night. There is also the option of Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) public transit buses.

* Union Pearson Express times are accurate as of December 15th, 2022 and are subject to change without notice. Please consult the Union Pearson (UP) Express website for the most up-to-date information.

Travel Guidelines

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic you may continue to experience heightened restrictions, protocols, and guidelines throughout your journey to Canada. To best protect yourself and others, we strongly recommend you wear your mask, wash/sanitize your hands frequently, and maintain physical distancing measures wherever possible. For best hygiene practices, be sure to wash or change your face mask daily.

Below is a summary of some of the heightened restrictions, protocols, and guidelines you may encounter during your travels.

COVID-19 Guidelines:

Please note that many airports and airlines world-wide may still have COVID-19 health screening measures and restrictions in place. This could include:

• Always wear a mask while in the airport and during the flight if it is mandatory by the airline company

• Maintaining physical distancing

• Limited touch points such as check ins, baggage drops, etc.

Acceptable Face Coverings:

It is important to note that not all face-coverings are deemed acceptable by major airlines or Toronto Pearson International Airport. To better ensure your health, and safety, it is best to have one of the below face coverings.

• 3 layered fabric non-medical reusable face mask

• Disposable 3 layered non-medical face mask

3 Layered Fabric Mask

Disposable

3 Layered Mask

/ Ventilated

Please note: Masks with an exhalation valve, bandanas, neck gaiters, and scarves have been deemed ineffective in the protection against COVID-19, according to requirements outlines by Transport Canada.

Clear Face Shield Bandana / Scarf / Neck Gaiter

Mask with Exhalation Valve

Suggested Packing List

Packing for your time in Canada can be overwhelming, but we are here to help. Below is a suggested packing list to help you feel prepared. This list is only to guide you through the packing process and individuals are encouraged to pack according to their personal preferences.

Essential Documents:

When packing the below important pieces of identification, please ensure you do not pack them in your checked bag. These items should be on your person (pockets, backpack, or purse) as you will need them for security and immigration.

• The contents of this package

• Passport

• Study/Work permit

• Drivers license and Personal Identification Card

• Credit card, debit card and Canadian currency

• Plane ticket

Clothing and Toiletries:

• Multiple face masks and hand sanitizer

• Clothes

• Shoes/footwear

• Undergarments

• Standard toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, deodorant, etc.)

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hair products and grooming items (oils, elastics, brush, razor, tweezers, nail clippers, etc.)

• Feminine hygiene products

Important: If packing toiletries in your carry-on (hand) luggage, you must ensure that all liquids, gels, and aerosols are 100ml or less in volume and size. Larger items should be packed in your checked luggage. For further instructions, please read the How to Pack Smart section.

Entertainment and Electronics:

• Cell phone, iPad, tablet, camera, and laptop

• Power bank and charging cables for personal devices

• Headphones

• Book/e-reader

• Power converter/plug adaptors (220v to 120v) – you will need this for the hotel

Important: Always pack electronics, valuable and important items in your carry-on luggage. NOT your checked luggage.

Medications:

• Any personal prescriptions in original packaging

• Pain relievers/stomach relief

• Allergy medication/nasal spray

• Medicated cream

• Band-Aids and sterilizing wipes

• Tissues

Important: It is always advisable to keep all types of medication, including non-prescription medications, in their original packaging so that it is clear to security what the medication is. Pack these items in your carry-on luggage.

Canadian Climate:

To prepare for the Canadian climate and ensure your comfort on arrival to Toronto, please consider packing the following if arriving in the fall, winter or spring.

• Warm clothes

• Heavy jacket

• Hand gloves

• Warm socks

• Scarves

You also may want to consider purchasing the below items if you are arriving during our colder seasons.

• Canadian winter jacket (snow jacket)

• Warm winter hat (something that covers your ears)

School Supplies:

• Canadian winter boots (insulated and waterproof)

• Warm hand gloves (mittens)

Please ensure you arrive prepared to begin classes. Consider packing the following items to help ensure your success if you will not have time to purchase them before your studies start:

• Laptop and charging cables

• Earphones

• Notepad, pen, pencil, and highlighters to take notes

• Supplies for courses with mathematics (graph paper, rulers, protractors, etc.)

Comforts of Home:

Moving to Canada is a very exciting experience, however, you may find that you will miss some of the comforts of home that are not available in Canada or may be quite expensive. Below are a few items that you may want to consider bringing with you to assist with a smooth and comfortable transition into your new Canadian life.

• Prepackaged spices for cooking

» Please do not try to pack loose spices as they may be confiscated by customs if they are not in well labelled/original packaging

• Your favourite flavours of tea

» Please not try to pack loose tea leaves as they may be confiscated by customs if they are not in well labelled/original packaging

» If you enjoy flavours of tea that are unique to your home country, they may be difficult to find in Canada

• Medicines or prescriptions

» While over the counter medicines are easy to purchase in Canada, you will want to ensure you have enough medicines or prescriptions to get you through your first few months while you adapt to your new environment or before you have the chance to visit a local doctor for any new prescriptions

» All medicines or prescriptions must be in their original packaging

• Extra pair of eyeglasses and contact lenses

» Eyeglasses and contact lenses are easy to purchase in Canada, however, they can be quite expensive. A pair of prescription eyeglasses can easily cost $500. If you require eyeglasses, you may want to consider purchasing an extra pair in your home country to bring with you to Canada, just in case.

How to Pack Smart

Packing smart is about more than just what to bring, it’s also about where to appropriately store your items and knowing the size and weight limitations of your baggage so that you don’t incur additional fees. Packing items in the appropriate location can make clearing security a breeze, keep you comfortable on your flight or be a make-or-break experience if you arrive in your destination before your luggage.

Below are general baggage size and weight guidelines as well as a suggestion of where some items should be kept. Every airline is different but considering the suggestions below will help to make your journey abroad an easier one.

Baggage Size and Weight Restrictions:

While every airline has their own size and weight restrictions, below are the average size and weight restrictions by many major airlines tha t will offer flights to Toronto. Please ensure you consult the airline websit e for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Tip: If a checked bag is not included in the cost of your fare, it may be cheaper to prepay it online in advance (and in your local currency) versus at the airport.

Personal Item

Personal Item:

Example of a personal item: purse, small backpack, laptop/camera bag. Approximate size: 33cm x 16cm x 43cm / 13” x 6” x 17”. Your personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.

Carry-On Luggage:

Approximate size: 55cm x 23cm x 40cm / 21.5” x 9” x 15.5”. Ensure you are including both the handles and the wheels of your bag when taking measurements. Weight limit: it is important to refer to the airline website for up-to-date restrictions to guidelines. Many airlines don’t have any weight restrictions for their carry on, simply stating that you must be able to lift your bag into the overhead compartments unassisted while others may have a restricted weight of as little as 11lb. If there are no weight limits, a good rule of thumb is to have your bag weigh no more than 22 pounds (lbs) or 10 kilograms (kg).

55 cm / 21.5 in

33 cm / 13 in

Carry-On Luggage

23 cm / 9 in

23 cm / 9 in

40 cm / 15.5 in 16 cm / 6 in

Checked Luggage:

Approximate size of 158cm / 62 linear inches. This is length + width + height combined. Ensure you are also including the handle and wheels of your luggage when taking your measurements. Weight limit is 50lbs (22.7kg). If your bag is oversized and overweight (51-70lbs / 23.1-31.7kg) you will incur additional fees. These fees often begin at $75 plus tax and can exceed $100. If your bag weighs more than 70lbs (31.7kg), it may not be accepted by the airline as regular baggage and would have to be sent via cargo.

Where does it all go?

Please find a simplified chart below on which bag to be packing your items in. Please pay attention to all items under the “Don’t” column as these are enforced restrictions under CATSA (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority) and most airlines.

Personal Item:

Do’s Don’ts

Phone

Wallet/Essential documents

Sharp objects with a blade 6cm or longer

Knives of any type/length if flying to USA (this includes nail clippers)

Gum Liquids, gels, or aerosols > 100ml

E-cigarettes, cigarettes, and disposable lighters

Car and house keys

Carry-On Bag:

Flammable aerosols (e.g., Static Guard)

Torch lighters

Do’s Don’ts

Medication and prescriptions

Knives of any type/length if flying to USA (this includes nail clippers)

Electronics, valuables, and in-flight entertainment

E-cigarettes, cigarettes, and disposable lighters

Car and house keys

Liquids, gels, and aerosols > 100ml

Torch lighters

Checked Luggage:

Do’s Don’ts

Liquids, gels, or aerosols exceeding 100ml

Electronics, valuables, car, and house keys

Majority of your clothing Medications and prescriptions

Extra shoes or boots

E-cigarettes/Vape pens

Additional toiletries Flammable aerosols (e.g., Static Guard)

Umbrella Torch lighters and disposable lighters

Miscellaneous items

Lithium-Ion batteries 100-160 Wh

Tip: To make it easier to collect your baggage upon landing (or identify if it has gone missing), make sure you have a clearly written luggage tag and something to make your bag easily identifiable. If you have questions about certain items, refer to the CATSA website and your airline for more information.