Facts About Toronto, Ontario Canada
Toronto is the largest city in Canada, the 4th largest city in North America, and one of the most well-travelled cities in the world. It is the capital of its province, Ontario, and home to a population of almost 3 million people.
Toronto itself can be broken down into 6 suburbs that include Scarborough, Old Toronto, East York, North York, York, and Etobicoke. However, The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has a population of well over 6 million people and is made up of the following municipalities: City of Toronto, York Region, Durham Region, Peel Region and Halton Region.
Toronto has one of the largest urban lakefronts as it is situated right on the shoreline of Lake Ontario, one of the 5 North American Great Lakes.
Toronto is a proud home to some top notch post-secondary education including institutions such as The University of Toronto, Ryerson University, York University, OCAD University, Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, and Seneca College. Additionally, Toronto has Canada’s busiest airport, the Toronto Pearson International Airport. It has been consistently ranked one of the best airports in North America and serves well over 40 million people a year.
These are just a few things that Toronto is proud of, below we have listed some incredible facts and information about Toronto, Ontario, and different ways you can enjoy the city.
Toronto, Ontario is Diverse and Multicultural
Toronto, Ontario is known for having an extremely diverse population and is often referred to as the most multicultural city in the world. There are over 180 dialects spoken in Toronto and over half of the population, approximately 1.8 million people, report speaking a different language than English when at home.
There are many different diverse neighbourhoods within Toronto that celebrate different cultures by offering native foods, clothing, and festivities. Some of the more popular multicultural neighbourhoods that are a must see in Toronto include:
- Chinatown – the middle is the intersection of Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue
- Little India – located on Gerrard Street East, just east of Greenwood Avenue
- Koreatown – found along Bloor Street, just west of Bathurst Street
- Greektown – “The Danforth” located on Danforth Avenue
- Little Italy – the heart is located between Dundas Street and College Street
- Portugal Village – between Queen Street and College Street
- Little Poland – known as Roncesvalles neighbourhood
Famous Attractions in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto has plenty of must-see attractions for both residents and visitors. Some of them are widely known across the globe such as the CN Tower and some are local gems that you do not want to miss out on experiencing. Below is our list of some of the best attractions in Toronto.
1. CN Tower (290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON, M5V3L9)
The CN Tower was built in 1976, stands over 553 metres tall and was built with the purpose of transmitting radio signals over the tall buildings that reside in Toronto. However, despite the purpose of it being built. it became the tallest free-standing structure in the world upon its resurrection. Although the title may have been lost in 2010 to Dubai it is still one of the most recognizable structures in the world.
The CN Tower today is host to a fine dining restaurant called the 360 Restaurant and allows guests to eat at one of Toronto’s renowned restaurants while slowly rotating around Toronto’s skyline. It takes 72 minutes for the complete 360-degree rotation.
If you are a thrill seeker be sure to check out the CN Tower’s Edge Walk that allows visitors to walk on the roof located 356m above the ground. The CN Tower is a must-visit attraction in Toronto, Ontario.
2. The Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON, M1B5K7)
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada with approximately 5,816 animals across 495 different types of species.
The Toronto Zoo is broken down into the regions in which the animals live naturally such as Africa, Americas, Australasia, Canadian, Eurasia, Indo-Malaya, and the Tundra.
The current zoo was built in 1974 and covers approximately 710 acres of land in Scarborough, near the Rouge River. Be sure to visit the world-class zoo when you are in the city, and consider adopting an animal at the zoo!
3. Ontario Science Centre (770 Don Mills Rd, North York, ON, M3C1T3)
The Ontario Science Centre has more than 500 interactive science experiences that are spread across different exhibits such as The Planetarium, Space Hall, KidSpark, A Question of Truth, The AstraZeneca Human Edge, The Living Earth and more.
It was opened to the public in 1969 and has since served as a perfect place for school trips, and visitors of all ages to interact with and learn about science. Be sure to keep an eye on this fantastic attraction as it is also home to travelling exhibits that bring in visitors from far and wide.
4. Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, ON, M5R1X8)
Casa Loma is North America’s only castle and was constructed in 1914 by a Canadian by the name of Sir Henry Pellatt.
Casa Loma today is a house museum that attracts over 650,000 visitors a year, in combination with being a private venue that is host to plenty of weddings and special occasions. The castle has almost 30 rooms across 4 different floors that visitors can admire and offers different types of exhibits along the way. Casa Loma is also rumoured to be haunted, so be sure to check out one of the limited time ghost tours offered at Casa Loma.
5. Scarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs is a stretch of beach and cliffs along Lake Ontario’s shore that covers approximately 15km and holds some of the most breathtaking views that everyone should see. There are a total of 11 parks along the stretch, with Bluffers Park being the most popular as it has direct beach access. There is an assortment of hiking trails, walking trails, and public areas to enjoy picnics and gatherings.
6. Toronto Eaton Centre (220 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M5B2H1)
The Eaton Centre is a massive shopping centre that is owned by Cadillac Fairview and is home to over 230 stores. It has the highest foot traffic of any mall in North America, largely due to the mall’s location which is at the corner of Yonge and Dundas Square in downtown Toronto.
The shopping center is conveniently attached to one of the main Toronto Transit Commision (TTC) subway stations and is connected to the PATH which is an underground walkway for pedestrians that is over 30km long.
Whether you are looking for a new pair of shoes, a bite to eat or just want to bask in Toronto’s environment, the Toronto Eaton Centre is a perfect place to go.
7. The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) (100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON, M5S2C6)
The ROM attracts far more than a million visitors a year as it is the largest museum in Canada, offering art, culture and nature exhibits from all different times and geographical locations around the world.
The ROM is home to approximately 6 million different artifacts and specimens including items such as Meteorites, fossils and even a White Rhino named Bull.
The Royal Ontario Museum hosts many different limited time exhibits such as The Nature of Diamonds, Egyptian Mummies and others. The ROM is a must see for anyone living or visiting in the Toronto area.
8. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON, M5V3L9)
The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is located just steps away from the CN Tower and is a relatively new addition to Toronto, being opened in October 2013. The aquarium is home to over 20,000 aquatic animals that live in the 5.7 million litres of water that are held in the facility. It features a unique underwater tunnel that visitors can walk through while they admire a collection of sharks and other marine animals. Other exhibits include Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Planet Jellies and others. This is a must-visit attraction in Toronto as it is the largest aquarium in Canada.
9. Toronto Islands
Toronto Islands is comprised of 15 small and connected islands that are located off the shore of Lake Ontario, directly in front of Downtown Toronto. It is actually home to over 600 people that live on the island year-round. You can travel to these islands by ferry and it only takes about 15 minutes.
One of the island’s main draws is the Centreville Amusement Park, that is home to more than 30 different rides and attractions. The rest of the island is filled with parks, gardens, beaches and fun activities for families.
10. Canada’s Wonderland (1 Canada’s Wonderland Drive, Vaughan, ON, L6A1S6)
Canada’s Wonderland is located just outside of Toronto in a neighbouring city called Vaughan. Located only about 25 km away, it is Canada’s premier amusement park that is home to over 200 rides and is spread out over 330 acres.
In 2019 the park served over 4 million visitors and opened its newest addition, the world record breaking dive coaster, Yukon Striker. Canada’s Wonderland also has an amazing selection of water slides and rides located in its designated waterpark.
Toronto’s 8 Major League Sports Teams
Much of the world associates Canada with hockey and we are known for putting out some of the best hockey players in sports history such as Wayne Gretzky. However, the history of sports and Toronto’s participation go far beyond hockey, Toronto has 7 major league sports teams that are played within North America and is host to many games right here in the city in some well-known buildings, take a look below.
1. Toronto Maple Leafs (National Hockey League)
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a well-loved sports team that has been around since 1927 (previously the St. Patricks from 1917-1927). They have won 13 Stanley Cups, although they have yet to win one since their last championship in 1967.
The Leafs have inducted 62 players into the Hockey Hall of Fame located in Toronto, Ontario. In today’s times the Toronto Maple Leafs call the Scotiabank Arena (previously Air Canada Centre) their home ice.
2. Toronto Raptors (National Basketball Association)
The Toronto Raptors were established in 1995 and are the only Canadian based team in the NBA league. The Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019 after winning their first Eastern Conference title the same year. This win sparked a massive celebration parade in Toronto on June 17, 2019 that started at Exhibition Place, made its way through Nathan Phillips Square and ended right next to Toronto City Hall, there were over 2 million people that attended. The Raptors, much like the Leafs use the Scotiabank Arena as their home arena.
3. Toronto Blue Jays (Major League Baseball)
The Toronto Blue Jays were founded in 1977 and played their first game on April 7th, 1977 at Exhibition Stadium in Toronto. The Blue Jays have brought home 2 world series championships back-to-back in 1992/1993 and have since only qualified for playoffs once in the 2015 season. The Rogers Centre located at 1 Blue Jays Way in Toronto is home stadium for the Jays, with a fully retractable roof and the 70 hotel rooms that can see over the field it is a unique place to call home.
4. Toronto Argonauts (Canadian Football League)
The Toronto Argonauts team was founded in 1873 and most recently calls the BMO Field its home stadium. The Argos have made it to the finals 23 times and brought home a total of 17 grey cups, most recently in 2017. Although Candian Football League may not get the same recognition as the NFL, it was estimated in 2019 there were 16 million Canadian Viewers.
5. Toronto Rock (National Lacrosse League)
The Toronto Rock lacrosse team was founded in 1998 and is one of the 13 teams that play in the National Lacrosse League. They currently hold 6 NLL championships, most recently winning the 2011 championship. The NLL averages between 8,900-10,700 spectators every game. They share the Scotiabank Arena with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors.
6. Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League)
The Toronto Marlies became a franchise in 2005, and have since won 2 regular season titles, 6 division championships, 2 conference championships, and one Calder Cup in the 2018 season. The AHL serves as a developmental league for the NHL. Their home ice is the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto.
7. Toronto Nationals (Major League Lacrosse)
The Toronto Nationals were a national lacrosse team that started playing at BMO Field in 2009 as MLL’s first Canadian team in the league. In 2011 they relocated to Hamilton, Ontario and became the Hamilton Nationals, however in 2013 they decided to disband the team. They did win a championship in 2009.
8. Toronto F.C (Major League Soccer)
Toronto F.C (football club) also known as The Reds were founded in 2005 and joined Major League Soccer in 2007 as the first Canadian team. They too call the BMO Field home turf. The Toronto F.C have made it to the playoffs a total of three times but have only secured the MLS Cup Final once in 2017. However, they have one a Voyageurs Cup seven times.