Toronto Emerges as Continental Leader
Over the past few decades, Toronto has emerged as not only one of the most vibrant and livable cities in North America but also as a place for technology businesses to thrive and find an educated workforce. The region's population now exceeds 6.5 million which makes it the 7th largest metropolitan area in North America. Native Canadians and immigrants have been attracted to the area by the welcoming culture, job opportunities and many activities available in the cosmopolitan city. Almost half of the residents are foreign born nationals from Asia and around the globe.
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto is about 90 minutes away from Niagara Falls and the US border. The city developed in the early 20th century as a transportation gateway to the manufacturers and natural resources of Central Canada and later as a financial center. As services and technology have become increasingly important, Canada used its governmental programs to incentivize research and development, encourage investment in technology industries like artificial intelligence and blockchain, and promote startup ventures. These efforts were supported by the many universities and colleges located within the greater Toronto area. City officials claim that the region created more tech jobs than Seattle, Washington DC and the San Francisco Bay area combined in 2017 and that 15% of the region’s total jobs are in technology.
Whether a cause or an effect of this economic boom, Toronto now offers residents and visitors a wide range of activities, festivals, and entertainment. Here are some examples:
Attractions - In 1973, Toronto's skyline was pierced by the construction of the CN Tower in the middle of the business district. This 1815 foot tall concrete and glass structure was recently renovated to provide additional observation decks with huge windows, several restaurants including a 360 degree rotating one, and a challenging feature known as the The Edge Walk in which the truly daring can walk around an outside platform or hang there suspended from sturdy cables on a harness. On a clear day, you may be able to see across Lake Ontario to New York.
Another tourist attraction that people enjoy is the Casa Loma, a 96-room authentic Gothic castle built by a wealthy financier in 1911 above the city on Davenport Hill which is filled with secret rooms and interesting diversions. There are also many conventional museums such as the Royal Ontario Museum, a science center, numerous art galleries and displays, and even a shoe museum. Younger visitors may enjoy the Toronto Railway Museum which has a variety of engines and railroad cars on display along with the working roundhouse and other railroad exhibits. Other fun time options in the general area include Canada's Wonderland, a suburban theme park with more than 200 amusement attractions, Ripley's Aquarium, the Toronto Zoo, IMAX theaters and an indoor Legoland.
Festivals and events. - Events and festivals also play an important role in the life of Toronto residents. The Toronto International Film Festival held in September is considered by some people to be the most prestigious in the world. It attracts stars from hit international films and the many television shows now filmed in Canada. Other film festivals and a women's fashion week also take place each year.
Sports have also gone big time in Toronto and its professional athletes play in modern facilities. The Rogers Center with its retractable roof and loyal fans is an outstanding place to take in a Major League Baseball game and is readily accessible from the downtown or the airport. The NBA champion Raptors recently joined the Toronto Blue Jays (2), the Toronto Maples Leaf’s (13), and the Canadian football Toronto Argonauts (17) as title holders. Tennis, soccer, and rugby professional matches are also popular. For an exciting night out, do not forget about the Second City Comedy Club located downtown where up and coming comedians perform skits as well as improvisations most nights to a packed house of all ages. Just as was the case with the original Second City Club in Chicago, many of its entertainers and students have gone on to great success in their careers.
Street Life - One of the special features of Toronto is the extent to which the amenities of daily life seem to be all around you. The diversity of the city is reflected in the many kinds of cuisine and goods available in restaurants, cafes, and shops. One thing that is the same throughout the City is the abundance of coffee shops. There are also several quality shopping malls in Center City and suburban locations such as the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
People looking for a safe, clean, and exciting place to visit should look at Toronto, and perhaps add on a stop at Niagara Falls on the way. The city has pleasant weather from May to late September except for the occasional rain or fog. If you enjoy winter time, it is not too cold to visit the major sites or perhaps take in some skating at the Harbourfront Centre Natrel Rink which has excellent facilities, a nice view of the downtown, and free admission if you have skates.