When you think of a cosmopolitan city, Toronto, Canada, should come to mind. Toronto has a rich and varied cultural heritage. You can find food from every corner of the globe, and various cultures are woven together beautifully in this city's festivals and museums.
Let's look back at the roots of Toronto culture and visit some of the places where it's thriving now.
Toronto Exceeds Expectations as a Multicultural City
Because "Diversity, Our Strength" is the official motto of the City of Toronto, it should come as no surprise that the people who live there take pride in the city's reputation as a multicultural community.
Toronto is home to more than 250 different cultures. People appear drawn to Toronto as a place to live because of the city's tolerance of a wide variety of cultures. It's also a city that works together.
Why Toronto Is a Culture Hub of North America
Toronto has always been pro-business, something it didn't take long for people from all over the world to notice. As a port, the city connects to the Atlantic as well as lakes and rivers. Toronto has become a cultural hub in North America, and it's not hard to see why. The city has so much to offer both residents and visitors, from the Casa Loma castle to the endless food choices.
Let's check out some of the fascinating attractions that Toronto offers.
Canadian National Exhibition Holds Canada's Largest Annual Affair
The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is Canada's largest yearly exhibition. It is also the fifth largest in North America. The event is held in Toronto and lasts for 18 days at the end of August. The event began in the 1840s and was initially called the Toronto Industrial Exhibition. In 1912, the fair got a new name — Canadian National Exhibition.
Early on, the fair was mainly about agriculture, but over time, it has become more about business. The Princes' Gates opened in 1927 and are now the exhibition's symbol. With a large consumer market, the event brings in over $50 million in profit for the City of Toronto.
The fair has rides, games, food and places to listen to music. There are about 700 vendors and exhibitors at the CNE, as well as a casino, bars and restaurants, handmade goods, and farm animals. Every Labor Day weekend, the CNE puts on a well-known air show.
The CNE hosts a massive carnival with lots of classic carnival games. You can also get food from all over the world. There is no shortage of Toronto arts and culture at the CNE.
Toronto International Film Festival Attended by People Worldwide
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the world's largest publicly attended annual events. The first Toronto Film Festival was in 1967 and used to be called "Festivals of Festivals." The arts events usually last 11 days. Hundreds of films play throughout Toronto, including at some local drive-ins.
Awards are handed out every year. In addition, there's a conference for professionals in the movie industry to hold panels and discussions. It is an exciting chance to meet both international and local filmmakers. And during the festival, Toronto's arts community offers fun workshops, too.
Royal Ontario Museum Is the Largest and Most Visited in Canada
The Royal Ontario Museum is the biggest museum in Canada. It showcases natural history and art. The museum first welcomed visitors in 1914 and is home to around 13 million works of art and artifacts related to natural history; these include fossils, meteorites, art and more.
Some galleries focus on foreign cultures and show local artists' work. There is a theater that showcases indigenous artists. So if you're looking for culture in Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum has it.
There are also artifacts from the Stone Age, indigenous communities, and even the present day. The museum's fabric and textile collection is the largest in Canada.
Known as the premier cultural destination among all of Toronto's history museums, this museum has a little bit of everything, so much so that you may not be able to see it all in one day. However, as far as major museums go, you must visit the Royal Ontario Museum to explore Toronto culture.
Theaters Boast a Diverse Amount of Shows and Concerts
Toronto is home to one of the world's largest theater districts, and it offers a little bit of everything. Nothing screams culture quite like the variety of theaters and types of shows that Toronto has to offer.
Here are two examples: The Royal Alexandra Theatre is the oldest operating theater in North America. The Aki Studio Theater is home to the oldest professional indigenous artist theater company, and they offer a wide array of entertainment and dance shows.
Food Festivals Reflecting Toronto Cuisine
Toronto is known for its culture, and its food festivals are no different. You will find Chinatown, Koreatown, Greektown, Little Italy, and Little India, with a variety of restaurants in each neighborhood. There are food and music festivals all year long that celebrate Toronto life.
Here are a few examples: During the Summerlicious and Winterlicious festivals, many Toronto restaurants offer their cuisine at reduced prices. There's a Salsa Festival with live music celebrating Latin American foods. And the Krinos Taste of the Danforth has both fast and Greek-style food, along with music venues, events and shows.
Find a Ticket Package To Experience Toronto Culture at a Discount
If you're planning a trip to Toronto and want to fully experience the city's culture, be sure to check out CityPASS® tickets, offering discounted admission to the top attractions Toronto has to offer. You can save up to and enjoy more of beautiful Toronto by grabbing Toronto CityPASS® tickets.
Lodging in Toronto
Need lodging for your trip to Toronto? Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
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