Toronto is genuinely fun and captivating! While the city sometimes gets criticized by the rest of the province for being too fast-paced or high-energy, there's so much worth celebrating here. When you're ready to explore, Toronto offers countless discoveries waiting to be made.
Toronto stands out for its diverse cultural landscape, iconic landmarks, and dynamic arts and entertainment scene. As a global center for finance, technology, and culture, the city is distinguished by its commitment to multiculturalism and inclusivity.
Fun Facts
Toronto's city population is approaching 3 million, while the Greater Toronto Area has nearly 6.5 million residents. The city ranks among North America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
While residents of Ontario's charming small towns might describe Toronto as a concrete urban jungle, the city actually boasts impressive green spaces. Recent statistics show Toronto has over 25% forest coverage—remarkable for a major North American city. Additionally, more than 18% of the city's total area is dedicated to parks.
Casa Loma, located in midtown Toronto, is considered North America's only authentic castle. While some might argue it's "just" a Gothic Revival mansion, why spoil the magic? Casa Loma regularly hosts events and activities—check their website to see what's happening during your visit.
From 1976 to 2007, it held the title of world's tallest free-standing structure for 32 years until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai claimed that distinction.
The CN Tower remains the most recognizable landmark in Toronto's iconic skyline.
Toronto boasts an impressive roster of professional sports teams: the Leafs (NHL), the Raptors (NBA), the Blue Jays (MLB), the Marlies (AHL), the Rock (Lacrosse), Toronto FC (MLS), the Wolfpack (Rugby), and many more. Several of these are storied franchises with rich histories.
The Leafs, for instance, rank among North America's most valuable sports franchises. While they haven't captured a championship recently, their devoted fans remain optimistic that their time is coming.
This topic stirs up some debate. Yonge Street was once recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's longest street, but Guinness has since ruled that part of its route is actually a separate highway rather than a continuous street.
We prefer to remember it as the nearly 2,000-kilometer marvel we grew up knowing. It's like the Pluto debate—some classifications may change, but Yonge Street remains an iconic thoroughfare that stretches from Toronto's waterfront deep into Northern Ontario, making it a defining feature of the province's geography.
Toronto is frequently and accurately called "the most multicultural city in the world"—a distinction the city wears with pride. With more than 50% of current residents born outside Canada, Toronto's greatest strength lies in how it welcomes and celebrates diversity, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that defines the city's unique character.
Many don't know that Toronto's famous Spadina Avenue has Ojibwe origins. The name comes from the Ojibwe word "ishpadinaa," meaning "high place or ridge" or "sudden rise in the land"—perfectly describing the street's topography.
The Toronto region has rich Indigenous history that you can explore through waterfront SUP tours or by visiting the Six Nations Longhouse at Chiefswood Park, just outside the city.
TIFF has historically attracted nearly 500,000 visitors to the province, along with countless celebrities. It's become one of Toronto's most anticipated annual events that residents eagerly await each year.
The festival's "People's Choice Award" is widely regarded as a key predictor of which film will become the Oscar frontrunner.
Getting around
Toronto offers diverse transportation options to navigate the city and surrounding areas. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) operates the most popular system, featuring subways, buses, and streetcars throughout the city. GO Transit provides regional connections to the Greater Toronto Area, while the UP Express offers direct service between Union Station and Pearson International Airport.
Public Transportation
- TTC System: Comprehensive network of subways (Line 1 Yonge-University and Line 2 Bloor-Danforth), buses, and streetcars
- Payment: PRESTO cards, tickets, tokens, and contactless payments accepted
- GO Transit: Regional train and bus services connecting Toronto with surrounding communities
- UP Express: Direct airport connection from Union Station to Pearson International Airport
Alternative Transportation
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Readily available citywide, including Uber and Lyft
- Bike Share Toronto: Convenient cycling option with stations throughout the city
- Walking: Downtown core and many neighborhoods are pedestrian-friendly
Flight Discounts
Air Canada, United and West Jet are delighted to offer a discount to delegates attending the CPMA Convention and Trade Show in Toronto in April 2026.
To book a flight with Air Canada, go to the Air Canada website and enter V6A7HWA1 in the promotional code box.
In Canada
5% discount on standard fares and 10% discount on Flex and higher fares.
International travel
10% discount on standard and higher fares.
Valid Travel Dates: 4/20/2026 – 5/07/2025
To book a flight with United, click on the discount code ZRBY524727 (Z code: ZRBY)
MileagePlus members earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.
You may also call United Meetings Reservation Desk Monday – Friday at 800-426-1122 for booking assistance.
Valid Travel Dates: 4/24/2026 – 05/03/2026
|
|
Cabin |
Fare Class |
Discount |
|
USA ↔ Canada |
First / Business |
J |
7% |
|
First / Business |
C, D |
5% |
|
|
First / Business |
Z, P |
2% |
|
|
Premium Economy |
O |
7% |
|
|
Premium Economy |
A, R |
2% |
|
|
Economy |
Y, B |
7% |
|
|
Economy |
M, E, U, H |
5% |
|
|
Economy |
Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, G |
2% |
|
|
|
|||
|
EMEAI → Canada |
First / Business |
A |
10% |
|
First / Business |
F, J, C, D, Z |
5% |
|
|
Premium Economy |
A, 0, G, E |
5% |
|
|
Economy |
M, U, H |
10% |
|
|
Economy |
Y, B, Q, V W, S, T, L, K |
5% |
|
To book a flight with WestJet, go to the WestJet website and enter 0O8U4PU in the Discount Code Applied section.
In Canada
5% discount on Econo fares and 10% discount on EconoFlex and Premium fares.
International travel
2% discount on Econo fares, 5% discount on EconoFlex, and 10% on Premium fares.
Valid Travel Dates: 4/20/2026 – 5/07/2025