Interesting Facts About Toronto: From skyscrapers to high-rise buildings, Toronto is a beautiful city and a preferred destination for foreign students. It is in the top ten livable cities in the Global Liveability Index offering a high quality of life with world-class education in prestigious universities.
Before moving to any country it becomes necessary to know every bit of it. In this blog, we will explore some interesting facts about Toronto that you might not know even if you are living at student accommodation in Canada. To enhance your knowledge, Keep Reading!
Table of contents
- 15+ Interesting Facts About Toronto
- Toronto Islands Were Once A Peninsula
- 4th Largest City in North America
- The Population is Over 2.8 Million
- Toronto’s Shoreline is 43 Kilometers
- 18.1% of the City’s Total Area is Parkland
- 11 Million Trees in Toronto
- World’s 9th Most Liveable City with 21 °C Average Temperature
- Home to North America’s Only Castle
- Multicultural City With 200 Ethnic Origins
- Also referred to as the 6ix
- Home to the Tallest Free-Standing Structure
- Largest Zoo and Longest Street
- Largest Neighborhood-Based Library System
- Largest Underground Shopping Complex in the World
- Hosts the Largest Film Festival in the World
- North America’s Largest Street Festival
- Largest Urban Car-Free Community In North America
- Capital Punishment Abolished In 1976
- Canada’s Busiest Airport
- List of 50 Amazing Facts About Toronto
- FAQs on Interesting Facts About Toronto
15+ Interesting Facts About Toronto
Toronto, the 4th largest city in North America, is home to over 2.8 million people and a 43-kilometer shoreline. It boasts North America’s only castle, the largest underground shopping complex, and the tallest free-standing structure in Canada. With 11 million trees and 18.1% parkland, it’s a perfect mix of nature and urban life. Here are some interesting facts about this incredible city!
Toronto Islands Were Once A Peninsula
You will be surprised to know that Toronto was once a peninsula when Europeans first arrived in the area. A storm in 1852 initially cut it off from the mainland, but silt temporarily reconnected it. However, another powerful storm on April 13, 1858, created a 150-meter-wide channel, permanently transforming the peninsula into the Toronto Islands. This is just one of the many Interesting Facts About Toronto!
4th Largest City in North America
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the 4th largest city in North America after Mexico City on the top, with New York City and Los Angeles following it. Boasting its central location on a sloping plateau, it covers 641 sq. km. and stretches 43 km from east to west and 21 km from north to south.
The Population is Over 2.8 Million
Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is also the fourth most populous city in North America as of 2021. It makes up nearly half of Ontario’s total population. One of the interesting facts about Toronto is that between 2016 and 2021, the city’s population grew by 2.3%, with an annual growth rate of 0.46%.
Toronto’s Shoreline is 43 Kilometers
Toronto is a group of 15 islands interconnected by pathways and bridges, forming the scenic Toronto Islands. Located on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario, the city sits 76.5 meters above sea level. It is also situated 65 km from Niagara Falls and 540 km from New York City, making it a key location for travel and trade.
18.1% of the City’s Total Area is Parkland
Toronto has over 1,500 parks spanning 7,700 hectares, offering green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The city follows a 20-year plan to manage and expand its park system. Parkland makes up about 18.1% of Toronto’s total area, reflecting its dedication to preserving natural spaces.
11 Million Trees in Toronto
Toronto is a city rich in greenery, with over 11 million trees spread throughout its urban landscape. Its forest canopy covers approximately 17,000 to 18,000 hectares, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. According to Urban Forestry, Toronto is home to an estimated 11.5 million trees, showcasing the city’s commitment to maintaining its natural beauty.
World’s 9th Most Liveable City with 21 °C Average Temperature
With July as the hottest month, Toronto has an average temperature of 21°C, while January is the coldest at -2.5°C. The city enjoys up to 11 hours of sunshine in July. One of the interesting facts about Toronto is its ranking as the 9th most livable city in the world in the Global Liveability Index 2023. It also secured the 23rd spot in the 2024 World’s Best Cities list, showcasing its global appeal.
Home to North America’s Only Castle
Casa Loma, a magnificent castle in Toronto, is the only castle in North America and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the early 20th century, this grand estate features stunning architecture, secret passageways, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history. It is a major tourist attraction, drawing over 650,000 visitors annually. Casa Loma has also been a popular filming location for movies and events, adding to its charm and historical significance.
Multicultural City With 200 Ethnic Origins
With half of Canada’s population born outside the country, Toronto is often referred to as the most multicultural city in the world. With over 200 ethnic groups and 140 languages spoken, Toronto is a city with 2.7 million immigrants accounting for 46% of the entire population.
Also referred to as the 6ix
Toronto is often called the “6ix”, a nickname that comes from its six municipalities—Scarborough, York, East York, North York, Etobicoke, and Old Toronto—that merged in 1998 to form Metro Toronto. The name is also linked to the city’s 416 area code, making it a popular term among locals and celebrities.
Home to the Tallest Free-Standing Structure
Before the Burj Khalifa claimed the title of the world’s tallest building, Toronto’s CN Tower held the record as the tallest freestanding structure for nearly 32 years. From its completion in 1975 until 2007, it remained the tallest in the world, making it one of Toronto’s most iconic landmarks.
Largest Zoo and Longest Street
Since 1974, Toronto has been home to the largest zoo in Canada. With over 16,000 animals of 491 species, the Toronto Zoo is the third largest in the world with its setting in 710 acres of land.
Yonge Street in Toronto is one of the longest streets in the world as per the Guinness Book of World Records. It has been declared as the national historic site with an impressive 56 km length.
Largest Neighborhood-Based Library System
The Toronto public library system is the largest in Canada. It boasts over 100 branches and 12 million books and other items in its collection. It is a public reference library located on the corner of Yonge Street and Asquith Avenue. With almost 1.2 million registered Toronto Public Library cardholders, the TPL is the busiest library in the world.
Largest Underground Shopping Complex in the World
The PATH underground shopping complex located in Toronto is the largest in the world. With its 17-mile length, the shopping complex has a great influence on Toronto’s economy. The walkway facilitates over two hundred thousand commuters daily. It has seventy buildings, over 20 parking garages, elevated walkways, and 1200 retail stores.
Hosts the Largest Film Festival in the World
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world. One of the interesting facts about Toronto is that TIFF attracts over 500,000 people annually, making it one of the most significant events in the film industry. The festival showcases a diverse range of films from around the globe, drawing filmmakers, celebrities, and movie enthusiasts to the vibrant city of Toronto.
North America’s Largest Street Festival
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, is Toronto’s most celebrated tradition. It is a multi-weekend cultural celebration that highlights Caribbean cultures and traditions. One of the interesting facts about Toronto is that this festival hosts the largest single-day parade in North America, attracting millions of visitors every year. The event features vibrant costumes, energetic music, and delicious Caribbean cuisine, making it one of the most anticipated celebrations in the city.
Also, Check out 100 Interesting Facts about Canada! in one of the most interesting blogs about Canada.
Largest Urban Car-Free Community In North America
You will be surprised to know this fact about Toronto. There is a thriving community in the city that doesn’t get around by car. Yes! You heard it right, they have several cars on the island but they prefer to commute by foot, bicycle, kayak, canoe, or other means. Only service vehicles are permitted on the road.
Capital Punishment Abolished In 1976
Capital Punishment was abolished from Canada’s Criminal Code in 1976. The last prisoners who got capital punishment were Ronald Turpin and Arthur Lucas. They were executed and convicted for murder. They were hanged on December 11, 1962, in the Don Jail.
Canada’s Busiest Airport
With almost 500,000 flights handled in 2019, Toronto Pearson International Airport is the busiest airport in Canada. It handled almost 50 million passengers in that year. It is the busiest and largest airport in Canada. This you must have experienced while going to your student accommodation in Toronto from airport. In terms of handling international traffic, the Toronto Pearson International Airport is North America’s second-largest airport.
List of 50 Amazing Facts About Toronto
Here is a list of 50 fascinating facts about Toronto, highlighting the city’s rich history, diverse culture, iconic landmarks, and unique characteristics. Let’s get started.
1 – Toronto is home to over 2.9 million people, making it the most populous city in Canada.
2 – Over 180 languages and dialects are spoken in Toronto, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world.
3 – More than 50% of Toronto’s population was born outside Canada.
4 – The Toronto Islands are the largest urban car-free community in North America.
5 – The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is the third-largest public transit system in North America.
6 – The Toronto subway system has only four lines, yet serves millions of people daily.
7 – The Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) was the first stadium in the world to have a fully retractable roof.
8 – The Blue Jays are the only Major League Baseball (MLB) team outside the U.S.
9 – The Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship Parade was the largest gathering in Canadian history.
10 – The Toronto Maple Leafs have the most loyal fanbase despite not winning the Stanley Cup since 1967.
11 – Toronto’s Casa Loma is the only full-sized castle in North America.
12 – The Distillery District is home to one of the best-preserved Victorian-era industrial complexes.
13 – The Toronto Stock Exchange is the ninth-largest in the world by market capitalization.
14 – The PATH underground network stretches over 30 kilometers and is the largest underground shopping complex in the world.
15 – The Fairmont Royal York Hotel once had the largest hotel kitchen in the world.
16 – The Eaton Centre is one of North America’s busiest shopping malls.
17 – Kensington Market is one of the city’s most famous and eclectic neighborhoods.
18 – The Toronto Zoo is the largest in Canada, covering 710 acres.
19 – The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has over six million artifacts in its collection.
20 – The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of the largest art museums in North America.
21 – Nathan Phillips Square’s skating rink is one of the most iconic winter attractions in Toronto.
22 – The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
23 – The Toronto Public Library system has 100 branches, making it the busiest urban library system in the world.
24 – The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto is one of the largest Hindu temples in North America.
25 – St. Lawrence Market has been a hub for fresh produce and goods for over 200 years.
26 – The Ontario Science Centre was one of the first interactive science museums in the world.
27 – High Park is Toronto’s largest public park, featuring a zoo, gardens, and hiking trails.
28 – Toronto has more than 1,500 parks and green spaces.
29 – The CN Tower’s EdgeWalk is the highest hands-free external walk on a building in the world.
30 – Toronto has six professional sports teams across different leagues.
31 – The city’s first subway line opened in 1954.
32 – Toronto’s name comes from a Mohawk word meaning “place where trees stand in water.”
33 – Toronto is home to one of the largest Pride festivals in the world.
34 – The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto is the only museum in North America dedicated to Islamic art.
35 – Yonge-Dundas Square is Toronto’s equivalent of Times Square in New York.
36 – Canada’s Walk of Fame, located in Toronto, honors Canadian celebrities.
37 – The CN Tower was built to withstand an earthquake of 8.5 magnitude.
38 – Toronto is one of the most-filmed cities in the world, often doubling as New York or Chicago in movies.
39 – Over 25% of Canada’s population lives within a 160 km radius of Toronto.
40 – Toronto Pearson Airport sees over 50 million passengers annually.
41 – The Scarborough Bluffs stretch for 15 km along Lake Ontario.
42 – The Spadina House museum preserves Toronto’s early 20th-century history.
43 – The Bata Shoe Museum has over 13,000 pairs of shoes, some dating back 4,500 years.
44 – Toronto is a major center for artificial intelligence research and development.
45 – The city has one of the largest LGBTQ+ communities in Canada.
46 – The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) attracts over one million visitors each year.
47 – Toronto’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America.
48 – The city has a high number of microbreweries and craft beer bars.
49 – Toronto’s Harbourfront hosts free events and concerts year-round.
50 – The city’s tallest building, First Canadian Place, stands at 298 meters.
FAQs on Interesting Facts About Toronto
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, home to the CN Tower, and has one of the most diverse populations in the world, with over 200 ethnic groups.
One of the interesting facts about Toronto is that rapper Drake popularized the nickname “The Six,” referring to the city’s area codes (416 and 647) and its six former municipalities.
Yes, Toronto was a peninsula earlier, hit by a storm in 1858, and became an island permanently.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest airport in Canada.
Yes, Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world with almost 140 languages spoken and 200 ethnic groups making up 46% of the entire population.
Toronto experiences all four seasons, but one interesting fact about Toronto is that its underground PATH system helps residents escape extreme weather.
Formerly known as Caribana, this festival features North America’s largest single-day parade, celebrating Caribbean culture.
One of the interesting facts about Toronto is that it is a major filming hub for Hollywood movies and TV shows, including The Handmaid’s Tale and Suits.
Yes! Toronto’s food trucks and diverse cuisine offer everything from poutine to Caribbean and Asian-inspired dishes.
One of the most interesting facts about Toronto is that it has over 10 million trees, making it one of the greenest urban cities in North America.
Toronto is a beautiful city with stunning skylines and a multicultural population. It boasts one of the most iconic landmarks of the country. Be sure to travel to most of the above-mentioned places in Toronto, If you are fortunate enough to be in the city.
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