Toronto, Ontario Canada

A Brief Introduction To Toronto

Toronto is the capital city of Ontario and is the largest city in Canada. It is an international center of business, finance, arts, and culture, and is recognized as one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario you will be sure to find something that will be of interest to you here.

Incorporated in 1834 as the city of Toronto. It was designated as the capital of the province of Ontario in 1867 during Canadian Confederation

Where Is Toronto, ON Canada?

Toronto is located in the province of Ontario a province in Canada and is on the shores of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario.

Detroit, Michigan is located South West of Toronto, Montreal, Quebec to its East. The State of New York is located to the south on the opposite side of Lake Ontario. Buffalo is the nearest city in the USA.

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48 Interesting Facts About Toronto

  • Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the most populated city in Canada, est. population of 2 million-plus
  • Toronto is is the anchor of the Golden Horseshoe around Lake Ontario
  • Toronto is a cultural melting pot that is recognized as a top-ranked multicultural and cosmopolitan city in the world.
  • Toronto was first established in 1793 and called York
  • During the War of 1812, the town was the site of the Battle of York
  • More than 50 percent of Toronto residents belong to a visible minority group
  • Toronto attracts more than 43 million tourists every year
  • The Toronto Stock Exchange resides here and is the head offices of Canada's five largest banks.
  • Toronto's economy is highly diversified  in tech, design, financial, health sciences, post-education, creative arts, chic fashion, aerospace, environmental initiatives, gastronomical services, and tourism
  • Toronto was orignally inhabited by Toronto, the vicinity was inhabited by the Iroquois and the  Wyandot (Huron)
  • Toronto originated from the Iroquoian word tkaronto, meaning "place where trees stand in the water"
  • Toronto was located at the gateway to the oldest routes to the Canadian northwest, a popular route known and used by Huron, Iroquois, and Chippewa Indians
  • French traders founded Fort Rouillé in 1750 where the current Exhibition grounds are
  • The City of Toronto was incorporated as  March 6, 1834
  • In 1834 refugee slaves from America's South were also immigrating to Toronto, settling in Canada to gain freedom
  • First significant wave of immigrants was Irish, fleeing the Great Irish Famine
  • For a brief time, Toronto was twice the capital of the United Province of Canada: first from 1849 to 1852
  • Toronto became the capital city of Ontario after its official creation in 1867
  • Toronto is the largest alcohol distillation center in North America
  • The Great Toronto Fire of 1904 destroyed huge sections of Toronto
  • Toronto was the center of a major SARS outbreak in 2003
  • Toronto is the fastest-growing city in North America
  • Toronto covers an area of 630 square kilometers (243 sq mi)
  • Toronto has a 46-kilometer (29 mi) long waterfront, on the shore of Lake Ontario
  • Toronto is mostly flat or gentle hills and the land gently slopes upward away from the lake
  •  Bay-and-gable houses are a distinct architectural feature of the city
  • The CN Tower, completed in 1976 at a height of 553.33 meters (1,815 ft 5 in), it was the world's tallest freestanding structure until 2007
  • Canada's first urban park was "Tree City", and was announced in May 2000
  •  Rouge National Urban Park, the largest urban park in North America
  • Ontario Place features the world's first permanent IMAX movie theatre, the Cinesphere
  • Toronto ranks as the third-largest production center for film and TV after Los Angeles and New York City
  • The Royal Ontario Museum is a museum of world culture and natural history
  • Toronto is represented in five major league sports, with teams in the NHL(Mapleleafs), MLB(Blue Jays), NBA(Raptors), CFL(Argonauts), and MLS.
  • Toronto is considered the financial capital of Canada
  • The Toronto Stock Exchange is the world's seventh-largest stock exchange by market cap.
  • Completion of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1959 gave cargo ships access to the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Toronto's cost of living plus rent index was second highest in Canada
  • Toronto has a reputation as one of the safest major cities in North America
  • The Toronto Public Library consists of 100 branches with more than 11 million items in its collection
  • Toronto is home to twenty public hospitals
  • Canada's busiest airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport
  •  Union Pearson Express is a train service with a direct connection to Pearson International and Union Station. It started in June 2015

Things To Do In Toronto

Thinking about investing or buying a property in Toronto? We have created a resource page of things to do, sights to see, places to eat, recommended accommodations and so much more. Read on below to learn all about Toronto Ontario Canada. (True North)

man and woman dining

Best Places To Eat In Toronto

Toronto Top Restaurants

  • A3 Napoli
  • Bang Bang Ice Cream and Bakery
  • Barberian’s Steak House
  • Black Hoof
  • Burger's Priest
  • Buster’s Sea Cove
  • Campagnolo
  • Caplansky’s Delicatessen
  • Carens Wine Bar
  • Carmen
  • Carousel Bakery
  • Chantecler
  • Gandhi's Indian Cuisine
  • Glory Hole Doughnuts
  • Home of the Brave
  • Hungary Thai Bar
  • Jumbo Empanadas
  • Junked Food Co.
  • Khao San Road
  • La Cubana
  • Lee
  • Moo Frites
  • Nota Bene
  • Pancho’s Bakery
  • Patios
  • Pho Tien Thanh
  • Pizzeria Libretto
  • Porchetta and Co.
  • Poutini’s House of Poutine
  • Seven Lives
  • Sneaky Dees
  • Sorella Toronto
  • St. Urbain
  • Tacos El Asador
  • The Carbon Bar
  • The Dirty Bird
  • Uncle Betty’s Diner
  • Wallace & Co.

  • Winterlicious and Summerlicious food festivals have Toronto restaurants serving their best menus prix-fixe that has tourists and locals in gastronomical ecstasy.
  • Taste of the Danforth has provided everyone with a glimpse into Greek culture. Strolling along Danforth Avenue (“The Danforth”), gatherers can experience the best of Greek music, dance, and... did we say Greek food?
man laying in hotel bed with luggage

Recommended Hotels In Toronto

King Edward Hotel

  • Toronto’s first luxury hotel also feels like one of its newest. Originally built in 1903, the King Edward Hotel has hosted all manner of boldface names in its convenient downtown location.

Best Five Star Hotels

  • The St Regis
  • Hazelton Hotel
  • Four Seasons at Yorkville
  • The Ritz-Carlton
  • Windsor Arms

Best Hotel Overall: The Hazelton 

"Amazing location in downtown Toronto, spacious rooms, beautiful designs, and outstanding service."

Best BusinessHotel: Hotel Le Germain

"A popular selection with Toronto business travelers."

Best Luxury: Windsor Arms Hotel

"Every room comes with exceptional butler service, royal furnishings, ... an acoustic guitar, and Molton Brown bath extras."

Best for Romance: Ivy at Verity

"Newlywed couples seeking an intimate accommodation experience should think about the Ivy at Verity, a four-room boutique hotel that pampers its guests."

Best Amenities: SoHo Metropolitan

"Travelers frequently commented that the hotel beds are some of the most comfortable they’ve slept in."

Best for Solo Travelers: The Drake Hotel

Best Budget: Madison Manor Boutique Hotel

Best Pet-Friendly: The Saint James

Best Outside the City Center: The Saint James

"Guests loved the charm and view and commented that it was conveniently located near the local subway stop if they needed to travel downtown."

map of toronto and ontario

Best Day Trips Near Toronto

Niagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto

One of the world's natural wonders, Niagara Falls attracts millions of tourists.  If you're in Toronto, Niagara Falls is a short day trip and is about 84 miles away. Famous Maid of the Mist that boats near the falls can be an exciting and moist adventure, and it is only seasonally available from April to November.

 

Niagara Falls Tours including Wine Tasting and SkyWheel

About 77 miles from Toronto, the Niagara Falls wine sector offers tourists countless numbers of boutique wineries. This region is renowned for its delicious ice wine.

Mont-Tremblant Scavenger Hunt

Blessed with inspiring natural beauty, Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, attracts travelers year-round. Whether you are hitting the slopes skiing or swimming in the national parkʼs lakes, there are numerous outdoor adventures to be experienced in this cozy mountain village. Patisseries, cafes, and boutique shopping, charm adorns this cityʼs historic neighborhood.

Elora

Amongst the many things to do, you can go shopping, float at tube on the Grand River, go hiking, visit or dine at the historic Elora Mill, attend the Elora Festival in July or attend the Fergus Scottish Festival in August, and take the Elora-Fergus artist studio tour.

Best Spa In Toronto

  • Spa By Valmont -  Hazelton hotel
  • Four Seasons Spa
  • Miraj Hammam Spa
  • Old Mill Spa
  • Spa My Blend by Clarins
  • Elmwood Spa
  •  Sweetgrass Spa
  • Hammam Spa
  • Her Majesty’s Pleasure Spa
  • Body Blitz
  • Dew Sweat House
  • H20 Float Spa on Danforth Avenue

local business Toronto

Local Business In Toronto

Starting a local business in Toronto

https://www.toronto.com/toronto-directory/

https://localtorontobusiness.ca/

https://www.fslocal.com/cities/ca/on/toronto/

http://mycommunityguide.net/canada/toronto

https://www.torontochristiandirectory.com/

https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-start-ups/

home for sale toronto

Buying A Home In Toronto

Real Estate Agents In Toronto

https://www.point2homes.com/CA/Real-Estate-Listings/ON/Toronto.html

https://www.zillow.com/toronto-on/

https://www.realtor.ca/explore-canada/ontario/toronto-real-estate

https://www.remax.ca/on/toronto-real-estate

https://www.royallepage.ca/en/on/toronto/properties/

https://www.zoocasa.com/toronto-on-real-estate

 

looking for a job toronto

Looking For A Job In Toronto

Job Hunting 

https://ca.indeed.com/Job-Hunter-jobs-in-Toronto,-ON

https://www.workopolis.com/jobsearch/job-hunter-jobs/toronto-ontario

https://www.simplyhired.ca/search?q=job+hunting&l=toronto%2C+on

https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/jobsearch/jobsearch?mid=22437

https://www.monster.ca/jobs/l-toronto-on

http://www.ontarioimmigration.ca/en/working/OI_HOW_WORK_JOB.html

55 Interesting Things To See In Toronto

  • Toronto Eaton Centre -Flickr
  • Toronto Zoo -Flickr
  • Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) -Flickr
  • Canadian Opera Company -Flickr
  • The National Ballet of Canada -Flickr
  • Toronto Symphony Orchestra -Flickr
  • The Canadian Stage Company-Flickr
  • Canadian Electronic Ensemble -Flickr
  • The Four Seasons Centre -Flickr
  • Tor International Film Festival -Flickr
  • The Bata Shoe Museum -Flickr
  • Winterlicious - Flickr
  • Buddies in Bad Times Theatre -Flickr
shopping online toronto with credit card

Great Shopping In Toronto

Toronto Eaton Center

The Toronto Eaton Centre is a bright and clean shopping supermall in the middle of Toronto's downtown core that hosts more than 238 stores—as one of Canada's biggest malls and, measured by shoppers, this is one of Toronto's biggest tourist attraction.

Bloor/Yorkville

The Yorkville neighborhood is a inspiring contrast in the middle of Toronto's sky-towers and shopping centers. In a secluded pocket downtown, the iconic Victorian design in Yorkville houses and dozens of niche restaurants, boutique shopping, and original art galleries.

Hudson's Bay Company

Canada's oldest corporation has several different store chains in Toronto and thousands across Canada.

Toronto's Chinatown

Toronto has one of the largest Chinatown areas in North America. You will find deals on Chinese trinkets, jewelry, clothing, and household items.

Queen Street

Queen Street heads east/west through Toronto and transforms from funky retro to chic boutique shops, patio cafes, divine restaurants, antique shopping and everything in between.

 

City shopping areas include the Yorkville neighborhood, Queen West, Harbourfront, the Entertainment District, the Financial District, and the St. Lawrence Market neighborhood. The Eaton Centre is Toronto's most popular tourist attraction with over 52 million visitors annually.

vacation rental toronto

Vacation Rentals In Toronto


Airbnb

www.airbnb.com toronto

HomeAway

www.homeaway.com toronto

Home To Go

www.home-to-go.ca toronto

 

Canada Stays

www.canadastays.com toronto

Toronto's Best Craft Beer Breweries

  • Bandit Brewery
  • Halo Brewery
  • Burdock
  • Duggan's Brewery
  • Henderson Brewing Co.
  • Indie Ale House
  • Amsterdam
  • Bellwoods Brewery

 

Three trees in small city by water

Surrounding Towns Near Toronto

  • Aberfoyle
  • Agincourt
  • Barrie
  • Belleville
  • Brampton
  • Brant
  • Brantford
  • Brimley
  • Brockville
  • Burlington
  • Cambridge
  • Cambridge/Galt
  • Clarence-Rockland
  • Cobourg
  • Concord
  • Cornwall
  • Creemore
  • Don Mills
  • Downsview
  • Dryden
  • Elliot Lake
  • Elora
  • Etobicoke
  • Goderich
  • Greater Sudbury
  • Guelph
  • Haldimand County
  • Hamilton
  • Kawartha Lakes
  • Kenora
  • Kingston
  • Kitchener
  • London
  • Long Branch
  • Malton
  • Markham
  • Mimico
  • Mississauga
  • Niagara Falls
  • Norfolk County
  • North Bay
  • Orillia
  • Oshawa
  • Ottawa
  • Owen Sound
  • Paris
  • Pembroke
  • Peterborough
  • Pickering
  • Port Colborne
    Port Credit
  • Port Hope
  • Prince Edward County
  • Quinte West
  • Rexdale
  • Richmond Hill
  • Sarnia
  • Sault Ste. Marie
  • Scarborough Junction
  • Scarborough Township
  • St. Catharines
  • St. Thomas
  • Stratford
  • Swansea
  • Temiskaming Shores
  • Thornhill
  • Thorold
  • Thunder Bay
    Timmins
  • Toronto
  • Uxbridge
  • Vaughan
  • Waterloo
  • Welland
  • Weston
  • Willowdale
  • Windsor
  • Woodstock
  • York
  • York Mills

 Best Toronto Videos

Things To Do In Toronto

Toronto Blue Jays and Raptors and Mapleleafs