10+ Interesting Facts About Toronto You Probably Didn’t Know
There is more to Toronto than the CN Tower and poutine, there are secret gems and interesting facts about this city that will amaze you. With an underground city and weather extremes, Toronto boasts a mix of history, culture, and quirks that make it stand out. Whether you’re a local or just a guest, there is always something new to learn about Canada’s largest city. Here are some interesting facts you probably didn’t know about Toronto!
10+ Interesting Facts About Toronto You Probably Didn’t Know
The City Of Many Names
Toronto has had quite a few name changes over the years. Back in 1793, it was called York when it became the capital of Upper Canada. But in 1834, after plenty of petitions, it finally went back to being Toronto. Today, the city embraces a variety of nicknames, including “The 6ix,” made famous by Drake. If you’re wondering why—it’s a nod to the six former boroughs that now make up the city.
A Book Lover’s Paradise
Toronto is home to the world’s largest neighborhood-based library system. With over 100 branches and 10 million items, the Toronto Public Library has the highest circulation per capita worldwide. Clearly, Torontonians love their books!
PATH
It’s Toronto’s massive underground pedestrian walkway, stretching over 30 kilometers. This network connects more than 75 buildings and has 1,200 restaurants, shops, and services. You can access six subway stations, nine hotels, and even Union Station—all without stepping outside. Each letter in “PATH” is uniquely colored to signify a different direction: P is red and points south, A is orange and leads west, T is blue and directs north, and H is yellow, pointing east.
Extreme Weather
Toronto weather can be brutal. The record low was -31.3°C (-24.3°F) on January 4, 1981, with a wind chill of -44.7°C (-48.5°F). At the other end of the scale, the hottest stretch was in July 1936 when it was 41°C (105°F). And in January 1999, back-to-back snowstorms dumped over 150 cm (59 inches) of snow!
A Financial Powerhouse
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s biggest city, it’s also a major player in the global economy. Home to the Toronto Stock Exchange, which ranks as the third largest in North America and seventh in the world, the city plays a key role in international finance. It’s also ranked among the top economic hubs worldwide, landing 12th on the list of the most economically powerful cities.
Ice Skating Heaven
Winter in Toronto isn’t complete without outdoor skating. The city operates more than 50 public rinks from December through February, giving everyone from first-timers to seasoned skaters plenty of space to glide. Whether you’re skating under the lights at Nathan Phillips Square or finding a quieter spot in a local park, it’s one of those simple, cold-weather traditions that never gets old.
Tourism Hotspot
Over 27.5 million tourists visit Toronto every year. Toronto has over 36,000 hotel rooms, and nearly a quarter of a million people work in the hospitality and tourism industry. The fastest-growing international visitors are from Brazil, India, China, and South Korea.
Transportation
Toronto boasts over 9,500 streets spanning 5,600 kilometers. The longest among them is Lawrence Avenue East, aside from the famous Yonge Street. Over 1.8 million people ride the TTC, which includes buses, subways, and streetcars, daily. Toronto Pearson Airport is also Canada’s busiest and North America’s fourth busiest.
North America’s Only Castle
Casa Loma is North America’s sole full-sized castle! It was the continent’s largest private residence when it was built. The castle’s switchboard operator handled more calls through its 59 telephones than the entire city of Toronto at the time!
Skyscraper City
Toronto’s skyline is constantly growing, and it’s not just for show. The city ranks ninth in the world for the number of skyscrapers. With close to 300 high-rises and more going up every year, it stands as the tallest and most vertical city in Canada. While Calgary and Vancouver have their share of tall buildings, they’re nowhere near Toronto’s scale.
The One King West Building
One King West started out as a Toronto Dominion Bank in the late 1800s and was later converted into a residential tower. It’s the world’s thinnest skyscraper, going up 11 feet for every foot of width at the base. Even the original bank vault, the size of a room, remains and is utilized for events and dinner parties.
Green City
Toronto might be known for its busy streets and glass towers, but it’s also one of the greenest major cities in North America. More than a quarter of the city is covered by trees, and nearly 20% of its land is made up of public parks. From quiet ravines and wooded trails to waterfront paths and community gardens.
Toronto is a city full of surprises, from its underground city to its unusual castle. Regardless of whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who loves fun facts, there’s always more to discover. Next time you’re walking around the city, keep your eyes open—you never know what fun facts you’ll discover!
More:
- https://www.hikebiketravel.com/30-fun-weird-interesting-facts-toronto/
- https://www.abcbootcamps.com/10-interesting-facts-about-toronto-which-you-probably-didnt-know/
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/how-to-see-the-best-of-toronto-in-one-weekend/
- https://www.jenellecameron.com/blog/10-facts-about-toronto-you-probably-dont-know
- https://www.ultimateontario.com/fun-facts-about-toronto/
