Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. With over 2.5 million residents, it is the fifth most populated city in North America. Toronto is at the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, and is part of a densely populated region in Southern Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe, which is home to over 8.1 million residents—approximately 25% of Canada's population.
As Canada's economic capital and one of the top financial centres in the world, Toronto is home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, the world's seventh largest in terms of market value. Toronto contains more corporate headquarters than any other Canadian city, including those of Canada's five largest banks.
A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy. The settlement was later established as the Town of York and proclaimed as the new capital of Upper Canada by its lieutenant-governor, John Graves Simcoe. In 1834, York was incorporated as a city and renamed to its present name. Toronto's population is cosmopolitan and international, reflecting its role as an important destination for immigrants to Canada.
The CN Tower
At 1,815 feet the CN Tower has lost its title as the tallest free standing structure in the world, but still attracts millions of tourists looking for a bird's eye view of Toronto. A glass elevator whisks you to the 1,122 foot high indoor/outdoor observation deck where a portion of the floor is transparent. Instead of buying your admission ticket, you could also make a reservation at the tower's top-floor restaurant to get the view.
Centre Island
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Toronto to lakeside charm. Centre Island is one of a series of small islands that comprise the largest urban car-free community in North America. Centre Island, also called Toronto Island, offers a place for recreation and relaxation and features an amusement park, recreation areas, beaches, a yacht club, and restaurants.Centre Island is a 10 minute ferry ride away from downtown Toronto.
The Eaton Centre
The Eaton Centre is a bright and airy shopping mall in the heart of Toronto's downtown that houses more than 250 stores. The stores will appeal to the budget conscious and spendthrifts alike. Along with the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre is the most popular tourist attraction in Toronto.
Royal Ontario Musem
With more than 40 galleries of art, archaeology and natural science, the ROM offers up a world of interest and fun. The diverse galleries feature one of the world's finest collections of artefacts from China, a more than six-storey tall totem pole and much more. A discovery gallery at the ROM and other interactive exhibits mean everyone's senses get a workout and kids stay interested.
