Content Summary
A comprehensive overview addressing whether Toronto serves as a capital city.
Fact checked by
Michelai Graham
As the most populated city in the province of Ontario and in Canada overall, the classification of Toronto as a capital city can often lead to confusion among new residents and individuals from outside Canada. So, is Toronto recognized as a capital city? If so, what is it the capital of?
The City of Toronto serves as the capital of Ontario, one of the ten provinces (alongside three territories) that compose Canada. However, it is crucial to note that Toronto is NOT the national capital of Canada; that distinction goes to the City of Ottawa. Nonetheless, many individuals frequently presume that Toronto is Canada’s capital. Continue reading to discover more about Toronto’s designation as Ontario’s capital.
Toronto, the Capital of Ontario
Situated on the banks of Lake Ontario, directly across from New York State, Toronto is widely recognized as the Canadian city with the highest population. According to the City of Toronto’s official statistics, the city is home to approximately 2.8 million individuals, with a total population of around 5.5 million in the Greater Toronto Area (by comparison, Montreal has roughly 1.6 million residents, Calgary approximately 1.1 million, and Ottawa around 883,000).
Southern Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is characterized by a high population density compared to other regions in the province. Historically, Ontario’s economy relied heavily on natural resources, with a substantial portion of its land still dedicated to agriculture and forestry. However, residents of Toronto and its neighboring municipalities are increasingly engaged in sectors such as manufacturing, professional services, finance, retail, education, information technology, and health and personal services, among others (refer to the City of Toronto’s Key Industry Sector Overview). Additionally, it is noteworthy that Toronto has 66 percent more artists than any other city in Canada.
Toronto is also home to over 1,600 designated parks, encompassing more than 8,000 hectares of green space, 10 million trees (approximately 4 million of which are public), 200 City-owned works of public art and historic monuments, more than 80 film festivals, and a rich tapestry of over 140 languages and dialects spoken throughout the city, making it an extraordinary and vibrant place with much to offer. Furthermore, the city is gaining recognition for its diverse culinary landscape, partly attributed to its multicultural populace and the emergence of innovative chefs establishing remarkable dining establishments.
The Ontario Legislature in Toronto
As the provincial capital, the City of Toronto houses the Legislative Assembly of Ontario. This entity represents Ontario’s provincial government and consists of elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs). A significant number of the elected officials and their staff operate from a central hub in Toronto, situated in an area south of Bloor Street, bordered by Queen’s Park Crescent West and Bay Street. The Ontario Legislature building is the most prominent structure; however, various government personnel also work in nearby office buildings, including Whitney Block, Mowat Block, and Ferguson Block.
“Queen’s Park” in Toronto
The Ontario Legislature building is situated within Queen’s Park, a substantial green space located in downtown Toronto. However, the term “Queen’s Park” is now frequently employed to refer to the park itself, the parliament building, and even the government as a whole.
The Legislative Assembly can be found north of College Street at University Avenue (University Avenue diverges north of College to transform into Queen’s Park Crescent East and West, encircling the Legislature grounds). The appropriately named Queen’s Park station is the nearest subway stop, or alternatively, the College streetcar provides access at the corner. The Legislature Building features an expansive front lawn, often utilized for protests and events such as Canada Day celebrations. North of the Legislature Building lies the actual park portion.
- For further information on tours, consult the Legislative Assembly of Ontario’s official website
