A Guide to the Cities of Ontario

A Guide to the Cities of Ontario
source: worldatlas.com

Ontario is central Canada’s most populous province, and it has 52 cities within it. How do you choose where to live? You might be looking for a home for sale in Toronto, or a place to rent in Ottawa. Knowing the gist of each city is the start to finding the right place for you.

Toronto

Toronto is the capital of Ontario, a metropolis with a soaring skyline and green spaces within it. It’s home to Canada’s major national broadcast networks and media outlets, the Toronto Stock Exchange and many multinational corporations, and various cultural destinations. 

The world-famous CN Tower looms over the other buildings in the skyline, and residents can keep busy in the Distillery District or Entertainment District. Attractions include Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Zoo, and the Kensington Market.

Ottawa

This capital city of Canada is a political center of the country and has the most educated population among the country’s cities. The architecture in the city is beautiful, there are many places to ride bikes or go for walks, and the city is a clean and green one. 

Many of the cities workers work with the government, and people who choose the city for dining and entertaining may be of a political ilk. There are many colleges and universities and research and cultural institutions in Ottawa, with the University of Ottawa and Carleton University being the main educational institutions.

Niagra Falls

This city sits on the waterfront of the same famed name and, as expected, is a tourist-heavy spot with many nature-centric attractions. Outdoor recreation includes marked trails for hiking and cycling, parks and gardens for birding and relaxing, and many ways to take in the scenic Falls. 

There are three municipally-run museums that preserve the city’s history, and a Culture Committee that promotes awareness of and appreciation for arts, culture, and heritage in the community.

Mississauga

This city has grown exponentially over recent years, thanks in part to its proximity to Toronto. It has a multicultural population and a thriving business district. It’s also home to Toronto Pearson International Airport. 

Check out the Absolute World Towers and City Hall nestled in its skyline, or visit Square One Mall or Port Credit for a great shopping and dining experience. Jack Darling Memorial Park has beaches to enjoy, whereas Celebration Square provides an urban space to people-watch in.

Hamilton

The city of Hamilton has a local economy steeped in manufacturing industries, though as of late that has shifted to the health and sciences sector. Its main colleges are McMaster University and Redeemer University College, the former of which is ranked fourth in all of Canada. 

Hamilton’s cultural scene involves a glimpse into history with the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Dundurn Castle, and HMCS Haida National Historic Site. There are many conservation areas to take in the views of nature, like the Fifty Point, Devil’s Punchbowl, and Spencer Gorge Conservation areas. It is also home to the Royal Botanical Gardens.