Toronto is the capital of the Province of Ontario. It is Canada's largest city, and with a population of two.6 million it's the fifth largest in North the United States. It is also in the center of the Golden Horseshoe, a densely populated region along the western shores of Lake Ontario that is home to roughly eight million individuals, or 1 quarter of the populace of Canada.
The skyline of the city is stunning and unmistakable. Its best-known landmark, the CN Tower, is the world's tallest tower and dominates the surrounding skyscrapers. Beyond the skyscrapers is a city center which consists of lush green residential areas and parks, notably along the ravines that cut via the city.
Toronto's history dates back, long prior to Europeans came to settle Canada. It was a meeting place for Initial Nations individuals (Native Indians). The name Toronto hails from the Huron Indian word for meeting place.
Initially claimed by the French within the 18th century, it wasn't until the American Revolution brought on a vast quantity of United Empire Loyalists (loyal to England) to flee to Toronto that the city became an acknowledged settlement. The new town was named York and its beginnings can nonetheless be seen in the historic garrison of York near to the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in downtown Toronto. Its current name was adopted in 1834 when the town was incorporated.
Over the years the city grew gradually, mainly with people of British origin. From the 1950's, a surge within the arrival of immigrants infused Toronto with new foods, new languages and, most importantly, new attitudes. Toronto's diverse restaurants and communities are a testimony of the selection of individuals who have immigrated to Canada and settled here. This could be watched in Toronto neighborhoods named Greektown, Little Italy, Indian Bazaar, Little Poland, Portugal Village, Chinatown and others. Visiting these places is like taking a trip around the world with out leaving Toronto.
Today, the city is certainly a lively, cultured location with hot summers and cold, dry winters, It is possibly the most economically essential city in Canada, the middle of finance, media and services, and home to much more corporate head offices than any other. By evening, its individuals indulge themselves at the city's numerous restaurants, bars and clubs, or at the symphony, opera and theater. Much more than anything, still, Toronto is defined by its individuals - friendly, effective and one of the most multi-cultural in the world.
Toronto has a wide public transit system which comprises of buses, subways and streetcars. Actually, for a little more than $2 you are able to use the city transit to get from the Lester Pearson International Airport to the city center. It's 1 of the safest cities within the world, having a crime rate under numerous other urban centers of equivalent size.
For entertainment, Toronto is recognized as the third-largest theater center within the English-speaking world, following New York and London with more than 90 venues in the higher Toronto area. The city's sports fanatics can get their fill by taking in a hockey game using the Maple Leafs, basketball utilizing the Raptors or a Blue Jay baseball game in the SkyDome.
Tv and film entertainment is also a major local business here. Toronto often stands in on screen for large American cities like New York and Chicago. Most significantly, Toronto is the proud host of the annual Toronto International Film Festival, which is the world's biggest and rivalled only by Cannes in significance.
Toronto is certainly a city of many museums, galleries, festivals, comedy clubs and events. It's usually considered to be Canada's dominant cultural center.
Shopping is plentiful as well and in the winter months - you do not even need to go outside! Walk the labyrinth of shops beneath Toronto's streets - no coat required!