Toronto

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world and has all that is required necessary to attract any visitor. It is Canada's largest city and the provincial capital of Ontario. Recognized as the "economic engine of Canada", Toronto has one of the most expanded economies in North America with the largest absorption of head offices in numerous of fields. Designated as one of Canada's cultural capitals by the federal government in 2005; seven ex- municipalities including the Borough of East York, the City of Etobicoke, the City of North York, the City of Scarborough, the original City of Toronto, the City of York and the Regional Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto united in 1998 to form the City of Toronto. A major world city, Toronto has significant regional, national, and global influence. It has Canada's best museums and galleries and live theatre and shows, orchestras and dance companies. Toronto city has the largest absorption of cultural workers and institutions with the largest arts community in Canada.

The city is the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world ranking behind New York and London. The city’s ethnic diversity varies from Africans, Asians, and Europeans; offering exciting festivals and events, friendly neighborhoods, and an out of this world urban atmosphere. Toronto is a Huron people's word meaning 'Meeting Place'. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto was home to archaic humans who used to look for the dense woods for bears and elk. They were the successors of Iroquois culture that had its influence on almost 200 villages in the Toronto area alone. Toronto was a hotspot for French fur traders because the city provided an overland shortcut between Lake Ontario and the upper Great Lakes. Hostilities existed in Europe between Britain and France that were carried over into the colonial settlements and intense rivalries developed between the two as they vied for control of the fur trade and other resources. In 1751, the French erected Fort Rouillé making the city’s earliest European roots French. But, by 1760, the British increased their power of influence defeated the French marking the end of French rule. In 1793, Canada's first governor, John Graves Simcoe set up a strategically well-positioned town of 12 cottages on the lakeshore around the former French post naming it York. In 1796, he promoted the construction of Yonge Street and named it after the British secretary of war Sir George Yonge.

The street is now recognized as the longest street in the world at 1,900 kilometres. On June 18, 1812, James Madison, the President of the United States, signed a declaration of war against Great Britain. During the War of 1812, York was raided twice. After the peace, York witnessed a great increase of British immigration to Upper Canada. Its surrounding areas grew with expanding farm frontiers, as its merchants supplied country dealers as wholesalers, making the city the province's banking centre. By 1834, the city grew with great rapidity. Town of over 9000 inhabitants was incorporated as the city of Toronto. William Lyon Mackenzie was elected as the first mayor of the city. This is how the city of Toronto flourished. Residents of Toronto are termed as Torontonians. The City of Toronto covers an area of 641 km². The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) stretches beyond the city peripheries. The city has a moderate type of climate due to the proximity of Lake Ontario. The city receives considerably less snowfall during the winter as compared to other Canadian cities. Winters are quite mild. -25°C is the minimum in the winters, and 37°C is the maximum in the summers. In the late 19th century, the city has witnessed a considerable growth in terms of population. The city’s landmark is the CN Tower - the world's tallest free-standing structure. Toronto is the home of four major league professional sports teams, including baseball at the Skydome. The Hockey Hall of Fame, the Ontario Science Centre, the Legislative Building and the magnificent Ontario Place, a fantastic leisure and entertainment complex on Lake Ontario are also a great attraction. It is one of the safest cities to live in North America with crime rate lower than that of any major U.S. metropolitan area. The Toronto Public Library is among the largest public library systems in the world. Toronto Pearson International Airport is the fourth-largest international airport in North America and originates world’s largest air traffic into the United States.