All about the city of Toronto
Toronto, although relatively youthful in comparison to other cities, is rich in history. British colonists formally settled in Toronto in 1793, although it was known first as ‘Town of York’. Growth was slow at first, and York was only 720 people by 1814. The following year, the population exploded with York being made the colony’s capital. That led to the province incorporating York into the 'City of Toronto' in 1834. By 1851, the population had swelled to 30,775.
The fledging city was not without trials and tribulations, though. The economy was frequently pummeled by severe downturns. Worse still were the issues the city worked through in its infancy. Cholera ravaged Toronto’s population in 1832, 1834, as well as 1849. Typhus struck in 1847-8. During 1837-1838, Toronto also grappled with rebellion.
The city of Toronto continued to expand, and owed much of its growth from this period from the railway. By 1853, Toronto had pulled through. The city we know and love had started to take shape. Familiar places like St Lawrence Hall (known today as St. Lawrence Market) and St James' Cathedral were created.
Today, Toronto residents live in areas with distinctive names such as Grange Park, The Annex, Kensington Market, and Regent Park. Favorite local hotspots include Yonge and Dundas Square. Many Toronto events take place here, such as music festival NXNE.
Toronto restaurants like Fran’s, Sotto Sotto, and Bistro 990 provide food choices for even the most finicky among us. Italian, French, Chinese, and Greek cuisine are but to name a few, and are incredibly popular in various Toronto neighborhoods like Yorkville.
Occasionally a visitor to Toronto will wonder what there is to do. A better question is what isn’t there to do? Toronto attractions are among the best in the world. The Rogers Centre (formally the Skydome) hosts the Toronto Blue Jays and other sporting events. We’re also home to various museums like the ROM; the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal gallery being a source of much conversation among Torontonians and tourists alike. If that isn’t your style, check out the Bata Shoe Museum, Casa Loma, or even Fort York.
Speaking of being a visitor, Toronto hotels are equally famous. A typical example of a Toronto hotel could be The Delta Chelsea, The Metropolitan Toronto, and of course the Fairmont Royal York offer great rates and packages to visitors. Most of these are located downtown Toronto.
Internationally-speaking, Toronto is much loved and respected. It is home to various events in Toronto, festivals such as TIFF and Caribana, the largest Caribbean festival in North America. The Toronto theatre scene is bountiful, with Mirvish Productions putting on productions like Mamma Mia at venues like The Royal Alexandra Theatre and The Princess of Wales Theatre. The arts and culture scene is also amazing. Toronto provides something for everyone. From independent Toronto galleries to art venues like The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), galleries feature works from both local artists and famous ones.
Travel and transportation in Toronto is easy. Locals get around using the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) subway routes, busses and streetcars. Further east, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system is used. For those hoping to go further afield, options such as GO Transit (whose departure points include Union Station) and Greyhound are available. Pearson International Airport and Toronto International Airport handle thousands, if not millions of visitors per year.
