Toronto is one of those cities that can feel instantly familiar and totally surprising at the same time. It’s a place of record-setting landmarks, hidden history, world-class neighbourhoods, and global food that can take you from one continent to the next in a single afternoon. Whether you’re visiting for business, a weekend getaway, a special event, or flying in to explore the city for the first time, Toronto offers more than most people expect.
In this blog, you’ll discover 20 interesting facts about Toronto—from iconic landmarks and underground secrets to historic moments and cultural highlights. You’ll also get a practical mini-guide to where to stay, where to eat, where to shop, and what areas are easiest for visitors. Finally, we’ll cover how Toronto Airport Limo helps you travel smoothly with premium airport transfers and hourly chauffeur service—so your trip starts and ends with comfort, reliability, and style.
20 Interesting Facts About Toronto
Toronto’s skyline gets the spotlight, but the city’s best stories are often hidden in plain sight—under streets, behind old stone walls, and inside neighbourhoods built by generations of newcomers. Here are 20 facts that show just how unique Toronto really is.
1) Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world
Toronto’s official motto is “Diversity, Our Strength,” and it’s more than a slogan—it reflects the city’s global identity.
2) Nearly half of the Toronto region is foreign-born
In the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area, immigrants (people born outside Canada) make up 46.6% of the population—one of the highest shares in the country.
3) Toronto’s famous underground walkway is a record-holder
The PATH is officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest underground shopping complex in the world.
4) The PATH spans an incredible distance
Toronto’s PATH network stretches about 30 kilometres, connecting downtown offices, transit, shopping, and food courts—especially useful during winter or rainy days.
5) The CN Tower’s glass floor has a 342-metre straight-down view
If you want a thrill with your skyline photo, the CN Tower’s glass-floor experience lets you look 342 metres straight down.
6) The CN Tower is also home to a Guinness World Record wine cellar
360 Restaurant’s “cellar in the sky” holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s highest wine cellar, located 351 metres above ground.
7) The Toronto Islands are an urban escape minutes from downtown
Just offshore from the city core, the Toronto Islands feel like a different world—quiet, green, and ideal for biking, picnics, and skyline views.
8) The Islands include North America’s largest urban car-free community
The residential community on the Toronto Islands is widely noted as the largest urban car-free community in North America.
9) Babe Ruth’s first pro home run is tied to Toronto history
Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run at Hanlan’s Point on September 5, 1914—one of the city’s best sports-history surprises.
10) Casa Loma is Toronto’s “castle on the hill”
Built between 1911 and 1914 for Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma remains one of Toronto’s most iconic historic sites.
11) Toronto’s “secret subway station” is real
Lower Bay Station sits beneath the active Bay Station and is famously used as a filming location.
12) You can actually film inside Lower Bay Station
The TTC offers Bay Lower Station as a dedicated filming environment—one reason Toronto is a go-to city for productions.
13) Toronto has the largest and busiest streetcar network in North America
According to the TTC, the streetcar network spans 308 km, making it the largest and busiest on the continent.
14) Toronto used to be called “York”
Toronto was founded as York in 1793 and was renamed Toronto in 1834.
15) Some of Toronto’s rivers were buried on purpose
Over time, waterways like Garrison Creek were covered or redirected as the city expanded—parts of their routes still shape neighbourhood landscapes today.
16) Toronto has a famous “Half House”
At 54½ St. Patrick Street, you’ll find a building that looks like it was sliced in half—one of Toronto’s oddest photo stops.
17) Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival is one of North America’s biggest festivals
Toronto Caribbean Carnival (often still called Caribana) is one of the largest cultural festivals in North America and draws massive crowds.
18) The Carnival has a long history
The festival dates back to 1967 and remains a major summer highlight in Toronto.
19) The Toronto Zoo is Canada’s largest zoo
The City of Toronto describes the Toronto Zoo as the largest in Canada, with thousands of animals across more than 700 acres.
20) Toronto hosts one of the world’s largest film festivals
TIFF is widely recognized as one of the largest publicly attended film festivals in the world—and it’s a major reason Toronto draws global attention every fall.
With those fun facts in mind, the next step is turning curiosity into a great itinerary—because Toronto is even better when you know where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around comfortably.
Where to Stay, Eat, Shop, and Explore in Toronto
Whether you’re flying in for business, visiting family, or planning a weekend in the city, Toronto is easiest when you stay central and keep your transportation simple.
Hotels and neighbourhoods visitors love
If you want to be close to major attractions and transit, downtown is the most convenient home base. Popular areas include:
- Downtown Core / Entertainment District for events, theatres, and easy access to the CN Tower area
- Yorkville for luxury shopping and upscale dining
- The Harbourfront for lake views, walking paths, and summer ferry access to the Toronto Islands
Well-known hotel options many travellers choose include Fairmont Royal York, The Ritz-Carlton (Toronto), Shangri-La Toronto, Hotel X Toronto, and the Four Seasons (Yorkville).
Dining that feels unmistakably Toronto
Toronto’s food scene is built on global flavour and neighbourhood character. If you’re planning a night out, focus on:
- Yorkville for fine dining and cocktail lounges
- King West for trendy restaurants and nightlife
- The Distillery District for historic charm, patios, and date-night energy
- St. Lawrence Market area for classic Toronto food stops and a walkable downtown vibe
Shopping and entertainment hotspots
If shopping is on the list, Toronto delivers everything from flagship malls to boutique streets:
- CF Toronto Eaton Centre for central, easy shopping downtown
- Yorkdale Shopping Centre for high-end brands and a polished mall experience
- Queen Street West for boutiques, streetwear, and local finds
- Yorkville Village and Bloor Street for luxury labels
Premium Pearson Airport Transfers with Toronto Airport Limo
Once your plans are set, the most important detail is making sure you can move through the city smoothly, especially when airport timing, traffic, and winter weather are factors.
Toronto Airport Limo provides flat-rate, 24/7 airport limo service to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), with professional chauffeurs, real-time flight tracking, and comfortable vehicles designed for stress-free travel.
If you’re visiting Toronto for meetings, events, dining, shopping, or sightseeing, Toronto Airport Limo also offers hourly chauffeur service—so you can keep your schedule flexible while staying comfortable and on time.
Book Your Toronto Airport Limo Today
Whether you’re arriving in Toronto for a quick visit or staying for a full city getaway, Toronto Airport Limo makes every transfer smooth, private, and reliable.
- Call: (416) 619-0050
- Email: reservations@torontoairportlimo.com
- Reserve Online: Use the secure booking form
Travel Toronto with confidence, comfort, and reliability by choosing Toronto Airport Limo for premium airport transfers and luxury city transportation.