Toronto

Toronto is the capital and largest city of the Canadian province of Ontario, and the most populous city in Canada. It lies on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, on a broad plateau cut by rivers, ravines, and urban forest. With a population of more than three million in the city proper and over seven million in the wider metropolitan area, Toronto is a major urban centre in the Golden Horseshoe region and one of the largest cities in North America.

The area has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for more than 10,000 years. After the disputed Toronto Purchase, the British founded York, Upper Canada in 1793, making it the capital of Upper Canada. During the War of 1812, York was attacked and occupied by American forces in the Battle of York. The town was renamed Toronto and incorporated as a city in 1834, and it became the provincial capital of Ontario in 1867. In the late 20th century, annexation and amalgamation expanded the city to its present boundaries.

Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. More than half of its residents were born outside Canada, over 200 ethnic origins are represented, and more than 160 languages are spoken. The city is governed by Toronto City Council and the Mayor of Toronto.

Economically, Toronto is Canada’s main financial centre and home to the Toronto Stock Exchange and the headquarters of the country’s major banks. Its economy is highly diversified, with strengths in technology, finance, education, life sciences, media, arts, and tourism. Toronto is also a major centre for film, television, music, theatre, and other cultural activity, and attracts millions of visitors each year.