Toronto: History, Facts, and Resources
History of Toronto and when it was founded?
When Europeans first arrived at the site of what is now known as Toronto, the land was inhabited by the Huron Indian tribes, who by then had replaced the Iroquois Indian tribes that had ruled that region for centuries before. Where does the name Toronto come from? The origin of the name Toronto comes from the Iroquois word tkaronto, meaning “place where trees stand in the water”. It refers to the northern end of what is now Lake Simcoe, where the Huron had planted tree saplings to corral fish.
What is the population?
The city is home to more than 2.7 million people.
What is the elevation?
Elevation 76m (249 ft) above sea level.
What is its geographic size of Toronto?
The City itself 243.2 sq mi, urban area is 675.3 sq mi, and the metro area is 2,751 sq mi.
What province in Aanada is Toronto in?
Toronto is located in the province of Ontario.
Who is the mayor and council for Toronto?
The mayor of Toronto is David Miller and his council is the Toronto City Council.
What is the legal drinking age in Toronto?
When you reach 19 years of age all you need to do is show photo ID to prove you’re old enough to drink. IDs that are acceptable are an Ontario driver’s license, a Canadian passport, a Canadian citizenship card or a Canadian armed forces card.
What is Toronto Famous For?
Toronto, with a population of 5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area is known as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. Because Toronto is a cultural center it has produced some very famous entertainers, artists and bands. The list below is a sample of some of the famous entertainers, artists, and restaurants that Toronto is known for.
Entertainers
Sidney Olcott (1873-1949) – director
Walter Huston (1884-1950) – actor
Mary Pickford (1893-1979) – actress
William Hutt (1920-2007) – actor
Ann Rutherford (b. 1920) – actress
George Dunning (1920-1979) – animator, director
Megan Follows (b. 1968) – actress
Will Arnett (b. 1970) – actor
Monika Schnarre (b. 1971) – model, actress
Sarah Polley (b. 1979) – actress
Stephen Amell (b. 1981) – actor
Artists
Joe Shuster (1914-1992) – creator of “Superman”
Alex Colville (b. 1920) – painter, printmaker
Frank Gehry (b. 1929) – architect “Guggenheim museum at Bilbao”
Michael Snow (b. 1929) – painter, sculpter, filmmaker
Robert Bateman (b. 1930) – painter
James Lumbers (b. 1929) – painter
Bands formed in Toronto
Irish Rovers – formed in 1963
Rush – formed in 1968
Platinum Blonde – formed in 1980
Parachute Club – formed in 1983
Cowboy Junkies – formed in 1985
Jeff Healey Band – formed in 1986
Barenaked Ladies – formed in 1988
Broken Social Scene – formed in 1999
Restaurants
Bistro & Bakery Thuet
Bistro & Bakery Thuet has adapted the European principle of a menu prix-fixe, featuring the menu dégustation surpris, which is a blind tasting menu. Guests can also choose from à la carte menu items. Menus change monthly based on the finest seasonal offerings available including foie gras, truffles & caviar.
IZAKAYA
What would be standard fare in Japan, IZAKAYA serves up respectfully in a sophisticated, more up-scale way.
Joso’s
Since 1977, Joso’s has served exquisite Mediterranean cuisine in fashionable Yorkville. The lush, intimate interior has wall murals celebrating the female form that are sure to incite conversation.
Sassafraz
True foodies diss this place as a has-been, but the airy interior of this Yorkville eatery has seen more celebrities than possibly any other Toronto restaurant. Ellen DeGeneres and Bono have chowed down on Sassafraz tuna carpaccio, escargots, and seared foie gras.
The Toronto Zoo
Divided into geographic regions, the zoo’s 710 acres feature more than 5,000 animals in their natural environments. Visit the award winning New Great Barrier Reef, African Savanna, and the award-winning Gorilla Rainforest, Eurasia outdoor exhibits, home to the Prezwalski foals, Snow leopard and Siberian tiger cubs.
Historical Landmarks?
Colborne Lodge
Restored 1837 regency villa located in High Park. Colborne Lodge is one of 10 historic museums operated by Toronto Culture. Toronto’s Historic Museums engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.
Address for Colborne Lodge
11 Colborne Lodge Drive
Limited free parking
clodge@toronto.ca
416-392-6916
Fort York National Historic Site
Explore Toronto’s birthplace and Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. The new 22,000-square-foot building will help show visitors how best to interpret what they will see during their visit to the entire 43-acre site of the war of 1812.
Address of Fort York National Historic Site:
100 Garrison Road
Free parking
fortyork@toronto.ca
416-392-6907
Historic Zion Schoolhouse
Groups can travel back to 1910 to experience an unforgettable school day in this beautifully restored, one-room schoolhouse. This 1869 one-room brick schoolhouse has been restored to 1910 and is furnished with desks, stove, piano, schoolbooks, games and school supplies of the era.
Address of the Historic Zion Schoolhouse
1091 Finch Avenue East
Free parking
mnewell2@toronto.ca
416-395-7435
Mackenzie House
This 1858 home is where Toronto’s famous rebel and first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie lived. Located at 82 Bond Street Toronto, this house was built in the 1850s and occupied by the Mackenzie family in 1859. In 1861, William Lyon Mackenzie died in the 2nd floor bedroom. This house is said to be haunted with the ghost of William Mackenzie.
Address of Mackenzie House
82 Bond Street
Paid parking
machouse@toronto.ca
416-392-6915
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens is one of 10 historic museums operated by the renown Toronto Culture Center. Toronto’s Historic Museums engage visitors, inspire passion for history behind Toronto, and challenge ideas that connect the past to the present.
Address of The Spadina Museum
285 Spadina Road
Paid parking
spadina@toronto.ca
416-392-6910
Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
View a fascinating collection of early industrial buildings in the Don River Valley. Todmorden Mills, located in the Don River Valley, was one of the first areas to be settled in the area. The facilities that existed on the land provided early residents of Toronto with all of their lumber, paper, flour, bricks, whiskey and beer. The daily tours, seminars and group programs outline the mill’s role in Toronto’s development and the city’s growth on the natural environment.
Address of Todmorden Mills Heritage Site
67 Pottery Road
Free parking
todmorden@toronto.ca
416-396-2819
Sports Teams in Toronto
Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Toronto Blue Jays (MLB)
Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Toronto Marlies (AHL)
Toronto Nationals (MLL)
Toronto Raptors (NBA)
Toronto Rock (NLL)
Toronto FC (MLS)
Major Colleges
University of Toronto
Established in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest university, recognized as a global leader in research and teaching. U of T’s distinguished faculty, institutional record of groundbreaking scholarship and wealth of innovative academic opportunities continually attract outstanding students and academics from around the world. The University is sustained environmentally by three green campuses, where renowned heritage buildings stand beside award-winning innovations in architectural design.
Website
York University
York is now Canada’s third largest university. That’s because we offer an unparalleled academic experience. Our unique, interdisciplinary approach to learning allows students to study issues from all angles and to combine majors in completely different fields. York’s faculty, among the finest anywhere, expand the horizons of our students. And our research tackles real world challenges by taking a uniquely interdisciplinary approach that brings real world solutions.
Website
Ryerson University
Ryerson is Canada’s leader in innovative, career-focused education and a university clearly on the move. It is a distinctly urban university with a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community.
Website
Ontario College of Art and Design
OCAD University has more depth and breadth in visual arts and design programs than any school of its kind in Canada. OCAD offers its students a unique environment that combines studio-based learning with critical inquiry. Programs lead to a BFA or BDes and, as of 2008/2009, an MA, MFA or MDes.
Website
Resources about Toronto
The official website of The U.S. Consulate General Toronto. It is located downtown at 360 University Ave., on the west side, between Dundas and Queen Street midway between the St. Patrick and Osgoode subway stations.
Current Weather Conditions:
Toronto Pearson Int’L. Ont., Canada
Official website for the City of Toronto
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