Interesting Facts – CFACToronto https://cfactoronto.com Paradise on the Ontario Coast Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:30:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8.2 https://cfactoronto.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/cropped-maple-leaf-38777_640-32x32.png Interesting Facts – CFACToronto https://cfactoronto.com 32 32 General Information about Toronto https://cfactoronto.com/general-information-about-toronto/ https://cfactoronto.com/general-information-about-toronto/#respond Tue, 01 Nov 2022 14:30:37 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=267 If you find yourself in Toronto, you’re in luck – Toronto has just about everything you’d expect to see in a North American metropolis. One Continue Reading

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If you find yourself in Toronto, you’re in luck – Toronto has just about everything you’d expect to see in a North American metropolis. One of the most dynamic and diverse cities on the continent, with interesting architecture and a rich cultural life.

Geography

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and one of the largest centers of North America (the 3rd largest metropolis, second only to New York and Los Angeles). In terms of population, combined with suburbs, it is the 6th largest mega-city in the United States and Canada.

It is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, one of the five Great Lakes, occupying an important strategic position. Within a day’s drive (800-900 km) from Toronto are the largest metropolitan areas in eastern North America such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, Montreal, plus a couple dozen smaller cities like Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

In fact, Toronto is a conglomeration of separate cities connected at different levels. A number of districts, which for a long time were separate administrative units, became part of municipal Toronto in 1998.

At the moment, officially (i.e. as an administrative unit) Toronto includes the former Toronto (Old Toronto) and the five formerly independent cities of North York, Etobicoke, York, Scarborough and East York. These names are widely used till now; particularly automobile navigators demand to indicate these very names when entering address.

Toronto is surrounded by about twenty large suburbs that, together with the municipality of Toronto, form the Greater Toronto Area (GTA, more commonly called GTHA in recent years). It is in fact a single urban space where all the neighbourhoods are inextricably linked and it is virtually impossible to tell when one neighbourhood transitions to another.

Population

The Greater Toronto Area (GTHA) has about 7.5 million people, making it the sixth largest mega-city in North America.

The GTHA is surrounded by a number of satellite cities that have strong economic and cultural ties with it. This area, which is home to about 9.5 million people, is called the Golden Horseshoe. The name comes from the fact that the area stretches along the western shore of Lake Ontario, making it look like a horseshoe. The area is home to 3/4 of all Ontarians, and almost a third of all Canadians.

Economy

Toronto is a world-class business, financial, cultural and academic hub, ranking on par with cities such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Tokyo, Paris, etc.

The city is among the ten most important financial centers in the world and is one of the largest technological centers in North America. The city is growing rapidly and there is a lot of construction going on.

Cultural Environment

Toronto is interesting because it is one of the most diverse cities in the world-often called the most ethnically diverse city on the planet. Since Canada actively attracts immigrants from all over the world and a large part of them settles in Toronto, different communities form in the megalopolis and bring their ethnic flavor to the life of the city.

This is expressed first of all by the presence of a large number of ethnic restaurants, places of worship and cultural centers, as well as regular national festivals and celebrations, which make Toronto the most unique city on the planet in many ways.

According to statistics, more than half of the city’s residents were born outside Canada, which means they are first-generation immigrants.

Thanks to this Toronto citizens are very tolerant and liberal, so different alternative subcultures thrive here which also gives a special color to the city and makes its cultural life more diverse.

History of Toronto

Toronto originally came into being in 1750 as a small fort that French traveling salesmen used as a stronghold for their Indian trading operations. It survived as such only a short time, until 1759, when it was abandoned.

The American War of Independence helped establish Toronto as a city. As a result of the withdrawal of the American territories from the British protectorate, the settlers loyal to the British crown moved to the shores of Lake Ontario.

They bought the area of present-day Toronto from the Mississauga Indians and built Fort York to defend themselves against American attacks. In 1793, the governor of Upper Canada (as the province of Ontario was then called) John Simcoe signed a decree granting Fort York the status of a city.

The city got its current name Toronto on March 6, 1834 when some surrounding settlements were annexed to York Fort. Throughout the years that followed, Toronto grew at a rapid pace, attracting most of the immigrants arriving in Canada. The first major ethnic group to emerge as a community and to dominate city life for a long time was the Irish.

A large wave of immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when many Germans, French, Italians, and Jews came to Toronto, added to the mix. They were followed by a large influx of immigrants from Eastern Europe, especially from Poland, Ukraine, and Russia. At the same time there was a large influx of Chinese.

After World War II the city accepted new immigrants from Eastern and Western Europe, and as a result its population exceeded one million people in mid-50s.

During this time Toronto remained an industrial city and was overshadowed by Montreal, the financial and cultural capital of Canada. However, with the rapid development of Toronto and its population growth, the city’s status began to change.

By the early 80s Toronto overtook Montreal in numbers of inhabitants and gradually became the main financial center of the country. This, besides the growth of Toronto’s population, was caused in mid-1970’s by the sharp increase of separatist moods in the Province of Quebec, whose French-speaking people started to express their wish to separate from Canada. As a result, many companies and organizations began to move their headquarters from troubled Montreal to stable Toronto.

From that moment on, a new page began in the history of the city, which began to rapidly develop and soon took its place in the list of the most influential cities in the world. In 1998, the city’s development was also helped by the fact that five big city formations (North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, York and East York) were annexed to it.

It is currently the fastest growing metropolis in the Western Hemisphere, with its bright charisma and attractive future prospects.

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Toronto’s Colorful Winter Celebrations: Traditions and Festivals https://cfactoronto.com/torontos-colorful-winter-celebrations-traditions-and-festivals/ https://cfactoronto.com/torontos-colorful-winter-celebrations-traditions-and-festivals/#respond Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:59:16 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=260 Toronto is the best city for winter celebrations. From the colorful winter festivals to the festive lights and decorations, Toronto is a city of celebrations. Continue Reading

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Toronto is the best city for winter celebrations. From the colorful winter festivals to the festive lights and decorations, Toronto is a city of celebrations.

Toronto has a rich history of celebrating the winter season with festivals and traditions. From hot chocolate to skating on ice, there are many ways to enjoy this time of year in Toronto.

Toronto is a city that celebrates the winter season. There are plenty of activities and events around the city, which range from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.

The city has a rich history of traditions and festivals, which have been passed down from generation to generation. They include:

  • Boxing Day (Canada’s traditional gift-giving day)
  • Santa Claus Parade
  • Winter Carnival
  • Toronto International Film Festival
  • Toronto International Boat Show

Is a vibrant city, with a wide range of festivals and celebrations that brings the city together. It also has its own unique winter holiday traditions.

Toronto’s Winter Festival: Toronto’s winter festival is called the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. The parade starts at Nathan Phillips Square and travels north along Bay Street to Queen Street West. It is estimated that more than one million people attend the parade every year.

Toronto’s Festival of Lights: The Festival of Lights in Toronto takes place over three weekends in December, with events taking place all across the city, including at Nathan Phillips Square, Old City Hall, Harbourfront Center and Yonge-Dundas Square.

Toronto’s winter celebrations are not only about the cold, but also about its colorful traditions and festivals.

Toronto has a rich history of winter celebrations that date back to the 1800s. It is known for its romanticism and warmth, with events like the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and the Toronto Santa Claus Festival.

In Canada, winter is celebrated in a variety of ways. Toronto, for example, has a number of colorful winter celebrations and festivals that take place throughout the year. From Winterlude to Santa Claus parade, Toronto has all you need to enjoy the cold season.

Toronto’s winter celebrations are colorful and diverse. From the annual Santa Claus parade to the Winterlude festival, there is a lot to see and do in Toronto during this time of year.

Toronto’s winter celebrations are colorful and diverse because they are so rich with heritage, history, and culture. Toronto has a long list of winter traditions that date back centuries.

The city also hosts some of the best winter festivals in Canada such as Winterlude, Luminato, and the Santa Claus Parade.

Toronto is known for its colorful and exciting winter celebrations. The city is home to many festivals and traditions that are enjoyed by the locals and tourists alike.

Toronto has a lot of things to offer in the winter, from Christmas markets to snow globes, there is always something happening around this time of year. In this article, we will explore some of Toronto’s most popular winter celebrations.

Toronto’s Winter Festival: The Toronto Santa Claus Parade

The Toronto Santa Claus Parade is an annual parade held in December in downtown Toronto that is hosted by the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE). This parade has been running since 1884 when it was started by volunteers at a Christmas market. It was only until 1922 that the parade became a part of CNE festivities and it still remains one of their most popular events today.

Toronto is a city that has many traditions and festivals that are celebrated during the winter. The city has been celebrating winter since the 17th century.

Traditions such as the Santa Claus parade, ice skating on Lake Ontario, and Toronto’s Winter Carnival have been around for years. Toronto also hosts many festivals during the winter season such as Winterlude, a festival of lights and music held in February, and Luminato Festival which is an annual celebration of art in June.

Toronto has many different celebrations and traditions for the winter season. One of the most popular ones is Toronto’s Colorful Winter Celebrations: Traditions and Festivals. The event is celebrated annually in December, as it gives people an opportunity to enjoy all things winter related – from ice skating to snow sculpting, from hot chocolate to gingerbread houses.

Toronto’s Colorful Winter Celebrations: Traditions and Festivals is a celebration of everything that makes Canada special during the cold months. It gives people a chance to enjoy all things Canadian during this time of year – including ice skating, snow sculpting, hot chocolate, gingerbread houses, and more!

The city has a diverse range of winter activities that are unique to the city, including skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing, tobogganing, snowmobiling, skiing, sledding and more. Toronto also celebrates the holidays in a very colorful way with decorations such as Christmas lights and wreaths on every door frame in December.

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How we went to Toronto. https://cfactoronto.com/how-we-went-to-toronto/ https://cfactoronto.com/how-we-went-to-toronto/#respond Thu, 24 Feb 2022 17:36:12 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=234 Toronto is the largest city in Canada and it’s part of the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor. This corridor contains 90% of Canada’s population and 70% of its Continue Reading

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Toronto is the largest city in Canada and it’s part of the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor. This corridor contains 90% of Canada’s population and 70% of its GDP. It’s also called “the Silicon Valley North”.

I would like to share my thoughts after living in Canada for three weeks.

Our itinerary: Toronto – London (Ontario) – Ottawa – Montreal – Calgary – Banff and Jasper National Parks – Kamloops – Whistler – Vancouver.

As we drove closer, the weather became worse and the skies were much heavier. We could see heavy clouds and the fog was hanging in a misty thickness over the city as it prepared to welcome us. I don’t know how we angered the capital city of Ontario, but the heavens did not promise a warm welcome.

What didn’t you like?

Cities are unfortunately not hooked up. I knew that Canada isn’t Europe but in any case, there is some disappointment present. Even though I kind of liked Vancouver and am excited about Montreal, it doesn’t seem worth the fight. I’ve lived in a metro area for over half my life, and now that I’m becoming more settled with a family, I’ve started to think about whether it would make sense for us to move. London (southern Ontario) was one of the options we considered, but after visiting it and discovering how dull and vacant it is, I

Interesting but when it launched, Canadians greeted the idea of receiving texts in their own language as fantastic news. However, they soon realized that the service was too limited to be useful.

Ottawa attracted the attention of easterners as a city. To their understanding, this European lookalike is well-located and not a metropolis. Vancouver seems to have more to offer than other metropolitan areas. It’s close to nice ocean and mountain views, which makes it particularly beautiful. Kamloops was an interesting place even though it seemed a bit small for my tastes. It does still have its own university, however.

Positive and amazing: of course, the proximity of natural beauties and their accessibility in terms of infrastructure (a lot of great places can be reached on excellent roads). For me, I see a pretty great future for tourism in Romania. Life in the wild is astonishing and incredible because of such volume.

Visiting Banff, Jasper, and Whistler was breathtaking. I enjoyed the amazing landscapes and mountains, waterfalls, dense forest and glacial lakes. It was also very neat seeing deer, raccoons, bears and mountain goats – not to mention some of Canada’s most stunning sights! Yes, for sure participating in such occasions – the heart is full of beauty and if we go, it will be more likely for us to go west so that this beauty can form a beautiful backside.

Another good thing is the multinationalism of Canada. Neither the Chinese in Vancouver nor the Arabs and Sri Lankans in Toronto were embarrassed. They researched mixed – multinational and interracial companies of teenagers, young people who find nothing confusing about the way they communicate

The reasons I think Toronto is such a great place to live are:

Toronto has a great food scene and an even greater restaurant menu. The St. Lawrence Market has been voted the best food market in the world by National Geographic magazine, and Vogue magazine claims that Toronto is a must-see for all foodies or those who consider. There are so many of his restaurants that it’s hard to name just a few.

The BBC named Toronto the most multinational city in the world with over 200 nationalities. The city is home to 8.4% immigrants, who make up its multinational population.

Garfors has traveled the world extensively, but he ranked Toronto 2nd best city he’s been to.

The Economist’s research department has named Toronto to be the fourth most livable city in the world, and for good reason. This ranking was based on factors such as culture, health, economic stability, education and environment. Toronto is also well-equipped with infrastructure for its residents!

While we were in Toronto, we did several things. These included

1) The customer opened a bank account and issued credit cards.

2) We have agreed to work with a realtor who will send over options for apartments that we may be interested in from December onwards.

3) We went to Niagara

4) We had a good walk through the whole of downtown, looked at the outskirts of the city and rode public transport.

The general opinion that many people share, especially Canadians. Canada is a great place to live in because: You can rest assure that any issue or problem you have right now will be solved in the future, You’ll never lack for something to think about and do each day, it’s family centered and people of all ages are valued here, also there is social equality and security.

Let’s talk about some interesting things we learned about Toronto.

Moving to Toronto? To know what you’re in for, you should know that the city has a population of 3 million and is home to some of Canada’s largest financial and telecommunications institutions. There are lots of crowded streets & sidewalks, noisy activity and strong smells.

Perhaps that is why in Toronto, unlike Montreal, there is a lack of affordable housing. You need to be prepared to spend a significant portion of your salary on rent.

Toronto has over 140 languages spoken here but you don’t need to know French to live in Toronto. In fact, the most common language used here is English. In the 2011 census, 55% of people reported English as their first language and 43% said they had a different first language.

Public transportation in Toronto is more reliable and widespread than in Montreal. We have buses, ferries, trams, taxis, and bicycles. But it’s worth noting that people complain about traffic jams and the slow speed of public transport.

When I think of Toronto, I think of it as the City of Friendship. Gathered from all over the world, people manage to coexist peacefully in one city, forgetting about squabbles and squabbles. Those who succeed and fall in love with Toronto and Canada do so because they know how to live in peace with the whole world. They will stay here forever. Those who don’t, won’t be able to understand or accept Toronto in the end.

It’s not just the people in this city who make friends. Houses do not repress plants, dogs don’t chase squirrels, and geese without fear fly at skyscraper heights. Toronto is a place of peace and tranquility where all are welcome. And that warmth is what will always remain in my heart.

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Tips for the Tourist https://cfactoronto.com/tips-for-the-tourist/ Mon, 15 Mar 2021 13:44:15 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=25 It is convenient to move around the city by public transport, but it is worth bearing in mind that during rush hours the traffic on Continue Reading

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  • It is convenient to move around the city by public transport, but it is worth bearing in mind that during rush hours the traffic on the main streets can be difficult. An alternative to public transport will be a cab, but for long distances this option will not be the best.
  • Those who are planning to rent a car should keep in mind the strict rules of the road and the substantial fines for breaking them. All passengers must wear seat belts during the trip, and one of the most serious violations is driving under the influence of alcohol.
    1. Toronto is a very cosmopolitan and welcoming city. Tourists can always ask for help from locals or police officers who are on duty in all major streets. All important tourist information is also available at the hotel.
    2. Most stores open no later than 10 a.m. and take visitors until 6 p.m., in large department stores and shopping complexes the working day usually ends no earlier than 9 p.m. The shortened working day is Friday and the common day off is Sunday, but some souvenir stores may be open without a weekend.
    3. To pay for goods and services it is necessary to use the national currency, you can exchange it at any bank, also on the territory of many hotels there are private exchange offices. The latter may operate around the clock, while banks accept customers on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00. It is worth noting that it can be quite difficult to exchange U.S. dollars at local banks, so it is best to use traveler’s checks.
    4. Shopping enthusiasts should note that you should keep all receipts when making purchases. When tourists return to their home country, they can get back an 8% commission, which is applied to all kinds of goods.
    5. In restaurants and cafes it is customary to leave a tip, and in prestigious establishments it may be included in the total bill. Tips are usually 10 – 15% of the order and depend largely on the level of the establishment.
    6. The mains voltage is 110 V, and hotels have standard North American outlets. Not all hotels can provide guests with the necessary adapters and adapters for electrical appliances, so you should take care of their purchase in advance.

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    History of Toronto https://cfactoronto.com/history-of-toronto/ Mon, 15 Mar 2021 13:25:48 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=13 The Iroquois, Seneca, Cayuga, and Mohawk, all of whom were good agriculturists and grew good crops, lived on these lands before the arrival of Europeans. Continue Reading

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    The Iroquois, Seneca, Cayuga, and Mohawk, all of whom were good agriculturists and grew good crops, lived on these lands before the arrival of Europeans.

    It is believed that Europeans first appeared on these lands at the beginning of the sixteenth century, at the same time the French navigator Jacques Cartier met the Laurentian Iroquois tribe, from whose language the country got its name – Canada. During the wars between the tribes, most of the population was exterminated. By the end of the sixteenth century, the Iroquois tribes had united to form the Confederacy, the League, originally comprising five tribes, and in 1722 another tribe was admitted.

    The tribes began trade relations with the Dutch, the closest being with the colony of New Amsterdam. The greatest demand was for beaver fur, but over time all the animals in the region were killed and new hunting grounds had to be seized from neighboring tribes.

    This period of history is called the beaver wars and lasted from 1630 to 1700. In 1664 New Amsterdam was captured by the English, they received trade contacts from the Dutch and it was the English who became the new partners of the League. The main tribe within the League was the Iroquois, they were the driving force behind the expulsion of the French colonialists from the New World, this period was called the Franco-Indian War. After that, the English had no competitors left in this region, accordingly, they made a decision – to get rid of unnecessary allies – the League. During this period, all the tribes began to be driven out of these territories.

    Nevertheless, one of the indigenous settlements, York was given the new name of Toronto. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the city was burned and destroyed in the Anglo-American War. From that period the city began to develop slowly; at the end of the nineteenth century it was still small, although there was already an electric streetcar line and a commuter railroad.

    Toronto began to grow rapidly in the early twentieth century, with the outflow of the English-speaking population contributing to the city’s economic growth and rapid development. At the end of the 20th century – in 1998 Toronto’s “unification” occurred, and the new districts – North York, East York, York, Scarborough and Etobicoi, which were independent cities in the past, joined the city.

    The city of Toronto is now the cultural capital of the country and a major economic, industrial and transportation center of Canada.

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    Canadian Autumn https://cfactoronto.com/canadian-autumn/ Wed, 16 Dec 2020 13:22:00 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=10 Although autumn is a beautiful time of year everywhere, it is special in Canada because of the large amount of red foliage in all shades. Continue Reading

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    Although autumn is a beautiful time of year everywhere, it is special in Canada because of the large amount of red foliage in all shades. Autumn looks most impressive in the eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
    Autumn is the best time in Canada, and many tourists from abroad come to see it. It is often compared to the cherry blossoms in Japan.

    Residents of Toronto are very lucky in this respect, they do not have to travel far to admire the Canadian autumn. It can be seen both in the city itself, thanks to the fact that there are enough parks, and in the countryside.

    The most popular is a family or company trip to one of the provincial parks, of which there are many around Toronto. Not all of them are picturesque, however, so here are the most popular places.

    In the Greater Toronto Area

    High Park. Located in the Etobicoke neighbourhood near Downtown Toronto. It is the second largest park in North America (after Central Park in New York City) and very popular among citizens. The park is equipped for walking, there is a large lake.

    Scarbourough Bluffs Park, Cathedral Bluffs Park and Buffer’s Park. A single park area, located in the Scarborough area (east side of town), on the shores of Lake Ontario. It is home to the famous Scarbourough Bluffs, which gave its name to both the park and the neighbourhood. Not far from the park is the architectural complex of St. Augustine’s Seminary.

    Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area. A state-protected forest park area. Located in the western suburbs of the Milton metropolitan area. The Niagara Escarpment mountain range passes through here and has great views from its peaks.

    Kortright Center for Conservation near the town of Kleinburg, part of the northern suburb of Vaughan. The town of Kleinburg is known for its historic center and the McMichaels Museum, which has the largest collection of the Group of Seven (Canadian Impressionists) artists.

    Bruce’s Mill Conservation Area near the town of Stouffville, north of the suburb of Markham.

    Outside the Greater Toronto Area

    Outside of Toronto, there are several regions that are most popular with fall lovers.

    The most interesting ones are those that lie north of the city. First of all, we are talking about Muskoka resort area with its many lakes and forest streams, the huge wooded area of Algonquin Park and the Huliburton Heights area adjacent to it from the south, as well as the shores of Lake Guron (more precisely, Georgian Bay).

    It is here that the most intense fall colors are observed, which, combined with the beautiful landscape and developed infrastructure, make this region a place of pilgrimage for beauty lovers from all over the world, especially photographers.

    The most interesting places in this part of the province are:
    Algounquin Provincial Park. Probably the most famous and most visited park in the whole province of Ontario (if not in the whole eastern part of Canada). The Hwy 11 expressway leads from Toronto to it. More precisely, this route leads to the city of Huntsville, from which the Hwy60 highway departs, passing through the southern part of the park.

    The town of Huntsville is worth a special mention. It is a very popular resort center, around which there are ski slopes, there are some of the best golf clubs in Canada, with a large hotel complex and a lot of cottages.

    When it comes to Algounquin Park, it covers a huge area with several entrances. However, the most popular (because of its accessibility) is the southern part of the park, through which Hwy60 passes.

    There are stops along this route with access to lakes, lookouts, and paved walking trails. Before entering the park through the east gate is the small but very scenic Oxtongue River- Ragged Falls Provincial Park.

    Arrowhead Provincial Park. Located near Alqonquin, this park can safely be called a little treasure. In the fall, you can see some of the most beautiful views here, thanks to the interesting mix of red and yellow foliage, the large number of white birch trees, lakes, and waterways.

    The park is just north of the city of Huntsville. It’s a small area so you can combine your visit with a visit to Algonquin.
    Dorset. Dorset is a small town in Huliburton Heights (southeast of Huntsville) on the shore of picturesque Lake of Bays. There’s an old fire tower on the mountain that offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The tower is open to the public and there’s parking in front of it.

    Killbear Provincial Park. Located north of the town of Parry Sound on the shore of Georgian Bay. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Ontario with a very picturesque fall color palette dominated by yellow. It is accessed by the Hwy400 Expressway, which turns into Hwy69 and has an off-ramp to the local road.

    Killarney Provincial Park. Ontario’s most beautiful park, called its crown jewel, a favourite workplace of the artists of the Group of Seven. The LaCloche (“White Mountains”) mountain range runs through here, there are many lakes and access to the northern shores of Georgian Bay.

    The downside of this park is its relative remoteness, it is about 4-5 hours away by car, so it is best to go there with an overnight stay.

    Blue Mountains. This is a resort area that combines the Blue Mountains resort complex and Collingwood. It is located near the south shore of Georgian Bay (Lake Guron), not far from Wasaga Beach (the most popular place for out-of-town beach vacations for Toronto residents).

    There is a mountain ridge here, so there are a lot of ski slopes in the area. The centerpiece of the area is Blue Mountain Resort and Alpine Village, built by Intrawest (which has also built similar complexes in such world-class ski resorts as Mont Tremblant and Whistler).

    Although the views and fall colors here are not as spectacular as in the Muskoka area, the big advantage of the area is its proximity to Toronto.

    Another popular spot is the Niagara Peninsula along the Niagara River, home to the famous Niagara Falls. The Niagara Escarpment ridge runs through here, which makes for hilly terrain, and there are many small waterfalls and streams.

    In addition to the beautiful views, there are two major tourist destinations here, the towns of Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

    The area is also a center for Canadian winemaking, with many distilleries that are a popular tourist attraction. This area lies southwest of Toronto.

    If you choose this region to contemplate the fall colors, it’s best to drive along the banks of the Niagara River, from the city of Niagara-on-the-Lake to Fort Erie.

    To the west of Toronto lies another interesting region that stretches along the banks of the Grand River. It is not as popular as the Muskoka or Niagara Peninsula areas, but also offers beautiful views and interesting towns to visit, most notably St. Jacobs (a Mennonite settlement) and Elora with its famous waterfall.

    Another great place to visit is Rockwood Conservation Area, a small park in the town of Rockwood. It is located near Toronto and offers very scenic views.

    Finally, to the northeast lies the interesting Kawartha Highlands, located between Peterborough to the south and Huliburton to the north. It also has hilly terrain, many lakes and small waterfalls.

    The center of the area is picturesque Kawartha Lake and Sturgeon Lake. There is also Fenelon Falls, a picturesque waterfall with a beautiful park around it.

    A little further away from this region is Bon Echo Provincial Park. It is one of the most colorful places in Ontario and has also been a favourite workplace of the artists of the Group of Seven.

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    Color Toronto, Traditions and Festivals https://cfactoronto.com/color-toronto-traditions-and-festivals/ Thu, 10 Dec 2020 13:39:00 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=22 Toronto is a city of festivals, which is the most accurate description of its way of life. The number of festivals and national celebrations held Continue Reading

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    Toronto is a city of festivals, which is the most accurate description of its way of life. The number of festivals and national celebrations held here is counted in dozens, and their thematic focus is astonishingly diverse. The Toronto Street Festival is especially popular with travelers, with all sorts of fairs, exhibitions, and recreational events.

    The main festivities take place in the Outdoor Art Exibition Toronto, where the festival features an array of colorful tents. The festival is a great place for local craftsmen to display their works of art, not just paintings and traditional handicrafts, but also a wide variety of other artworks. The festival, which usually takes place in July, is open to everyone and usually lasts for three days.

    A lot of young travelers visit Toronto in October, before the celebration of Halloween the city is transformed beyond recognition. In mid-October, Screemers, a horror theme park, starts operating on its territory, which will not leave thrill-seekers indifferent. Until the end of October, the city hosts a series of mystical entertainment events, and Screemers Park remains one of the main destinations for tourists.

    The most colorful and enchanting event in the cultural life of the city is the Caribana Festival, which usually starts at the end of July and lasts for more than two weeks. The fun and noisy festival, with plenty of costume parades and festive parades, attracts thousands of visitors to Toronto every year. The festival’s name speaks for itself – it celebrates Caribbean culture, known for its rousing musical rhythms and plenty of colorful outfits.

    For a few weeks the modern Canadian town is transformed into a typical Caribbean resort, where cheerful laughter and upbeat music can be heard everywhere. A special children’s festival is held in parallel with Caribana, the traditions of which are exactly the same as those of the adult festival. The little guests of the festival are invited to try on unique outfits, choose a queen and a king of the festival, as well as take part in interesting competitions and contests for the most extravagant costume.

    The beginning of June in Toronto is marked by the North by Northeast Festival (or NXNE, as it is abbreviated for convenience). It’s dedicated to the arts in all their manifestations: and that includes music, film and theater. The peculiarity of the festival is that every year the organizers invite prominent musicians (most of them from Canada and the U.S.), and they do not let anyone get bored. But not only well-known performers and bands attend it as participants – it gives a chance to young musicians to become famous as well. There are many venues (as well as participants): art cafes, bars, concert halls, open-air stages, located in the city center.

    At the beginning of the second summer month, tourists visiting Toronto will have a unique opportunity to listen to the rhythms of salsa and see the colorfully dressed dancers. No, this is not a mistake – the action really takes place in Canada, in the provincial capital of Ontario. That’s because during this period, the Salsa on St. Clair event is held, which is rightfully considered the most famous and largest festival of Latin American culture in the whole country. This is evidenced by the number of people who attend the festival at this time – and that number exceeds two million. As its name suggests, it takes place on St. Clair Ave W. After it, the already mentioned Carribana festival begins, which is also a “tidbit” for event tourism lovers. In addition to dance shows, the Salsa on St. Clair festival offers master classes, parties, a gastronomic program, and themed tours.

    Another festival that will interest music lovers is Digital Dreams, one of the most popular events in all of Canada. Dates for the music event fall at the end of June (sometimes the beginning of the next month), the place for it is the most suitable – Echo Beach, which means that visitors of the festival will be able to enjoy the beautiful weather not in stuffy apartments, but outdoors (altogether, there are four venues on the beach). Besides, camping lovers can have a great time as well. It’s worth noting that for the event, impressive special effects are prepared, which perfectly complement the musical shows, to which the famous headliners, playing in the style of electronic music, are invited.

    Those who prefer jazz should visit Toronto in July, because there are two festivals dedicated to jazz. The first, Beaches International Jazz Festival, covers the Beaches area and its fun lasts an entire month, while the second, Toronto Jazz Festival, takes place in more than 40 venues located downtown and usually starts at the end of June and lasts until the middle of the following month. The first festival is characterized by the fact that most of its events are free to attend, and the venues are organized in parks and on the streets. As for the Toronto Jazz Festival event, it is the third most popular festival in Ontario after the North by Northeast and Beaches International Jazz Festival and offers a wide variety of subgenres (including Latin, country, blues, R’n’B, and fusion).

    For art lovers, a visit to the Luminato Festival is a great way to get inspired and get some new ideas. At this time (in June), talented artists from all over the world are invited to present their works of art (sculptures, paintings, art installations) to the public. Every year the festival is attended by well-known celebrities, including Amal Clooney and Naomi Campbell. The multifaceted event is divided into several programs: music, art, and show (includes fireworks and theatrical performances). During the festival, it is worth keeping an eye on the repertoire of concert halls, theaters, and exhibition complexes, as there are several locations where the stages are located.

    Of equal interest to music lovers is the Canadian Music Week festival, held in early May in large art cafes, bars, concert halls and shopping malls. The slogan “music is everywhere” suits the event perfectly, because at this time it really “envelops” Toronto like a fog. Needless to say: every year the number of participants, who delight the guests of the capital of Ontario and locals with their music, exceeds three thousand. For those interested in literature, Toronto becomes a “point of attraction” in late October, when the International Festival of Authors event kicks off here. The venue for the literary event is the Harbourfront Centre, located right on the waterfront at scenic Lake Ontario. The program includes literary readings, meets-and-greets, and interviews with contemporary authors.

    The Anime North event is the largest of the geek festivals, designating the Toronto Congress Centre as its main venue. Other venues include major hotels. Costume contests and shows, art exhibits, meetings with comic book authors, presentations, interactive and video games, and discussions are all on display at the end of May. Other festivals of interest with their cosplay shows include ConBravo!, held in late July at the Hamilton Convention Centre by Carmen’s and the Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel. Its events are just as impressive for fans of colorful shows. So are the events at the Toronto Comic Arts Festival, an independent comic book event held in mid-May and held at the Toronto Reference Library.

    Many tourists associate Toronto with another exhibition that is considered the largest of its kind in Canada (about a million and a half people attend it every year). We’re talking about the Canadian National Exhibition, which takes place in the most appropriate place for events of this kind – Exhibition Place Centre. The date coincides with Labour Day, which falls on the first Monday in September in the country. In addition to the fact that you can buy a variety of products, ranging from food to unique handmade products, visitors enjoy other interesting events: sports and interactive games (including simulators and virtual reality), live music, attractions for young tourists, gastronomic program with food tasting.

    Toronto Fringe Festival event is another interesting festival for many fans of event tourism. It is especially busy for fans of theatrical art, during which the audience can enjoy watching productions of all genres. The main scaffolding where vivid theatrical performances take place is the stage of the Scadding Court Community Centre, and the event also takes place in other locations in the city. As for the time when you can watch the wonderful theatrical productions, it falls at the beginning of June. The colorful festival dedicated to Chinese culture, the Toronto Chinese Lantern Festival, is also worth a visit, being the largest festival of its kind outside of Asia. It is usually held in July and the dates depend on the lunar calendar.

    The capital of Ontario is among the cities that host Toronto Fashion Week, the main event for the fashion industry. Witness the event, which includes fashion shows and meetings with couturiers, twice a year: in early February and mid-September. The festival often reveals new names in fashion, like Canadian Joe Meemran and his brand Joe Fresh. During the festival the shopping and exhibition centers of the most luxurious area of the city (and it is Yorkville) become the most visited places, attracting about forty thousand guests in five days, and showing the fashion collections of about one hundred famous designers. In early September Bloor Street is filled with the scents of street food – that’s because at that time the Taste of the Kingsway festival takes place, during which, in addition to tastings of incredibly delicious food, there are a lot of other interesting events.

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    25 Interesting Facts about Toronto https://cfactoronto.com/25-interesting-facts-about-toronto/ Fri, 09 Oct 2020 13:32:00 +0000 https://cfactoronto.com/?p=19 Toronto is the largest (and most famous) city in Canada. It is the administrative center of the province of Ontario. Here are some fascinating facts Continue Reading

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    Toronto is the largest (and most famous) city in Canada. It is the administrative center of the province of Ontario.

    Here are some fascinating facts about Toronto that you might not know.

    1. Toronto receives more than 40 million visitors each year.
    2. Toronto is the only Canadian city representing seven major sports leagues.
    3. Almost a quarter of Canada’s total population lives within a 160 km radius of Toronto.
    4. Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada with 16,000 animals.
    1. Of all the megacities in the world, Toronto has the third highest number of immigrants living there, behind only Dubai and Miami.
    2. About 47% of the city’s citizens were born outside Canada.
    3. Population of Toronto: Greater Toronto is Canada’s largest metropolitan area with over 6,190,000 residents.
    4. Toronto is often referred to as “the world in one city”. More than 180 languages and different dialects can be heard on the streets here!
    1. Toronto is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the city with the longest underground pedestrian tunnel system. It covers 29 km, connects 50 towers, 5 subway stations, 6 hotels and one railway terminal.
    2. Toronto has an entire underground city – PATH. It is located in the center, its floors are lit and heated. This city has stores, restaurants, and even parks. Every day PATH is used by 200,000 people!
    3. The city has over 1,500 parks (which take up 18.1% of the city’s total area) and 10 million trees.
    4. the Toronto islands, just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, are the largest car-free urban community in North America.
    1. There are more than 8,000 restaurants in Toronto, and it would take you 22 years to visit every one of them (if you visit one new place every day).
    2. The city has a very well-developed streetcar network. It is considered the largest and most extensive in North America.
    3. The Toronto Stock Exchange is the third largest in North America and the eighth largest in the world by market capitalization.
    4. The famous Casa Loma Castle is the only truly authentic castle in North America.
    1. More Italians than Toronto live only in Italy.
    2. About 40 million people pass through Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport each year. It is the busiest airport in Canada.
    3. The number of sunny days a year is 301.
    4. Over 40 million people come to Toronto each year.
    1. Yonge Street is the longest street in the world, its length is 1,896 kilometers. Its length is 1,896 kilometers. It is more than the length of Ukraine from west to east or the distance between Moscow and Yekaterinburg.
    2. Toronto has the second largest public transportation system in North America.
    3. About 25% of Hollywood movies are made in Toronto.
    4. The average annual rainfall is about 831 mm, with summers in Toronto usually the wettest time of year.
    5. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is considered the second most prestigious film festival in the world, second only to Cannes.

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