Toronto

Toronto is the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario and the country's largest city by population. Located on the northwestern shores of Lake Ontario, it anchors the Greater Toronto Area. The city is known for its cultural diversity, with residents from many ethnic backgrounds and a broad range of languages and cuisines.

Indigenous peoples inhabited the area long before European settlement. The name Toronto derives from a Mohawk word meaning "trees in the water." The settlement was incorporated as York in 1793 and renamed Toronto in 1834. It grew as a commercial and industrial hub and became the provincial capital in the 19th century.

Toronto is Canada's financial capital, home to major banks and the Toronto Stock Exchange. The city has diversified sectors including technology, health sciences, media, and education. Major universities include the University of Toronto, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University. The city hosts national and international events and research centers.

Cultural life centers on museums, galleries, theaters, and festivals. Notable landmarks include the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Art Gallery of Ontario, and Harbourfront. The city hosts the Toronto International Film Festival and major sports teams such as the Maple Leafs, Raptors, and Blue Jays. Distinctive neighborhoods include Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown, and Kensington Market.

Toronto has a large public transit system operated by the Toronto Transit Commission, including buses, streetcars, and subways. Major travel gateways include Toronto Pearson International Airport and Billy Bishop Airport. The climate is humid continental, with warm summers and cold winters.