Toronto is the capital city of the province of Ontario and the largest city in Canada by population. Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a global city known for its economic power, cultural diversity, and vibrant urban life.
Quick Facts
- Province: Ontario
- Population: Over 3 million (city proper), 6.7 million (Greater Toronto Area - GTA)
- Official Language: English (with over 180 languages spoken)
- Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (ET)
- Demonym: Torontonian
History
The area now known as Toronto was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The name "Toronto" is believed to derive from the Mohawk word “tkaronto,” meaning "where there are trees standing in the water."
The British established the town of York in 1793, and it was renamed Toronto in 1834. The city grew rapidly due to immigration, trade, and industrialization.
Geography
Toronto lies on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and features a mix of ravines, rivers, and an extensive urban forest. The city includes several islands and a waterfront that has been revitalized into a mixed-use urban space.
Demographics
Toronto is considered one of the most multicultural cities in the world:
- Nearly half the population is foreign-born.
- Over 200 ethnic groups are represented.
- Common languages spoken include Cantonese, Punjabi, Tagalog, Italian, Spanish, and Tamil.
Economy
Toronto is Canada's financial and commercial capital. Key sectors include:
- Finance and banking (home to the Toronto Stock Exchange)
- Technology and innovation
- Film and television production
- Real estate and construction
- Healthcare and life sciences
Major Attractions
- CN Tower
- Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
- Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- Toronto Islands and Centre Island Park
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Distillery Historic District
Sports
Toronto is home to several major professional sports teams:
- Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
- Toronto Raptors (NBA)
- Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
- Toronto FC (MLS)
- Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Transportation
The city is served by the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), which operates subways, buses, and streetcars. Union Station connects regional GO Transit rail and bus services. Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s busiest airport.
Neighborhoods
Toronto is made up of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character:
- Downtown Core
- Kensington Market
- The Annex
- Scarborough
- Etobicoke
- North York
- Yorkville
- Liberty Village
Education
The city is home to several major post-secondary institutions:
- University of Toronto
- Ryerson University (renamed Toronto Metropolitan University)
- York University
- George Brown College
Did You Know?
- The PATH is Toronto's underground pedestrian walkway — the largest of its kind in the world.
- The CN Tower held the record as the world's tallest freestanding structure for over 30 years.
- Toronto hosts the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the world’s most prestigious film events.