Canada’s Powerhouse

Canada’s largest metropolis sits on the traditional territory of many first nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples. It was founded in 1793 as the colonial Town of York and in 1834 incorporated as the City of Toronto. The name originates from the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “where there are trees standing in the water”.

With over 170 spoken languages Toronto is one of the world’s most diverse cities. This impressive metropolis ranks as the fifth largest urban hub in North America, and until 2007 the iconic CN tower was holding the title of tallest freestanding structure in the world at 553 m / 1,815 ft tall.

25% of all Canadians live within 160 km of Toronto and nearly one quarter of all Hollywood productions are being filmed in this great city. With its numerous skyscrapers Toronto has often posed as New York City.

But the city has so much more to offer. Toronto is known for its many culturally diverse neighbourhoods dotted with numerous parks. In fact 18% of the city area is indeed parkland.

Caribbean culture is an important part of the cities identity. Caribana – a Caribbean Carnival has over a million visitors each year and is north-america’s biggest street festival. Street festivals in general are a common staple during the summer months; Taste of Italy, Salsa on St Clair, Pride Toronto or the Beaches International Jazz Festival, the options are diverse and bountiful.

Toronto is also the host to over 8,000 restaurants with multiple Michelin star establishments. Numerous cocktail bars dot the city, some of them hiding in backroom alleys or are tightly squeezed in between storefronts.

And if you like sports, Toronto is your city. As one of a few cities in North-America Toronto represents every major league, NHL, CFL, NBA, MLB, PWHL, WNBA and the fans go nuts over all of them. In fact the first ever NBA game took place on November 1, 1946 at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. To this day the Toronto Raptors are the treasure of the city. Toronto sits on Lake Ontario, which is the smallest of all the Great Lakes. Just a short water taxi ride from the harbourfront you can find the Toronto Islands, a cluster of 15 small islands and the city’s favourite weekend getaway. They form the largest car-free community in North America and offer beaches, parkland, and stunning views of the city skyline.

After a day filled with exploring you deserve a day of rest and a good nights sleep. Toronto has over 35,000 hotel rooms to host you in comfort and luxury and is home to multiple highend spas that will leave you feel like a million dollars.