The city of dreams and contrasts is the home for Toronto Business Academy, the summer business school which is crafted specifically for those with the entrepreneurial vein. We have prepared some interesting facts about the largest city in Canada, which most probably you didn’t know before.
1. The City with Many Names
The original name of the city was recorded in the 17th century, although with different spellings in English and French, still, it was very close to “Toronto”. However, it was renamed and was known as York, the Upper Canada for quite a while, there where even petitions to return the original name, but all were rejected until 1834.
Nowadays, Toronto has various nicknames, some of which Canadians even don’t know the meaning. For instance, ‘The 6ix’, term which was popularized by Drake, simply refers to the original six areas of the city.
2. Kaleidoscope of Cultures
In Toronto you will feel like home, despite from where you are. One reason for that, people are extremely friendly and welcoming, you can easily get a compliment from a complete stranger, so don’t be surprised. But also, because almost half of the city’s population aren’t locals, you can hear on the streets over 180 different languages and even pass by Chinatown, Little Portugal, and Little Italy, where street signs are written in both languages.
3. Go Leafs Go!
Toronto is the only Canadian city being represented in 7 major sports leagues, some of which they’re really proud of. For instance, the Toronto Raptors, as it is the only NBA team representing Canada.
At the same time, the famous Toronto Maple Leafs is considered to be one of the worst teams in the NHL. Despite the fact that they haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967, the tickets to their games are always sold out; apparently, hope dies last.
We can definitely conclude, if you are a sports lover, this city has lots to offer!
4. Don’t forget your Suit
Although Toronto isn’t the official capital of the country, it is considered to be Canada’s business and financial capital, due to the harmonious ecosystem of thriving businesses, innovation hubs, tech-companies, and hustler entrepreneurs.
And no wonder, as it is ranked second as the world’s most business competitive city and twelfth as the world’s most economically powerful city. As well as, Toronto Stock Exchange is the 7th largest in the world. A great market to position your start-up in! ;)
5. The longest street in the world?
Definitely not a typical street – Yonge street, as its length is around 56 km and until 1999 it was considered as the longest street in the world. Although the title was taken, it remains one of the most famous tourist attractions, as well, has many Instagrammable spots ;)
Locals suggest visiting the street at night, as it never sleeps and has a totally different atmosphere than during the daytime.
6. Cultural center
If you are seeking cultural enrichment Toronto is your city, as it is one of the largest cultural hearts in North America. Not only it is home to TIFF, an annual international world-known film festival, but for other 70 minor film festivals. As well, here you can find The Canadian Opera Company, The National Ballet Company, The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir.
7. Bon Appetit!
In this city, you definitely won’t be hungry, as it is home to more than 8,000 restaurants with various international cuisines and it would take you approximately 22 years to try them all if you visited a new one every night. Sounds like a plan!
8. Great Inventions
Undoubtedly, Torontonians are innovative and responsible for many great (and not so really) inventions, some of which the electron microscope, pager, ‘Canada Dry’, insulin, space suits, the lightbulb and other. The last one isn’t a mistake; the concept of a lightbulb was developed by Toronto based Henry Woodward, who later sold it to Thomas Edison, who developed the idea of the light bulb as we know it today.
9. Man-made wonders
The 6ix amazes with such landmarks as the CN Tower, which was for 34 years the tallest freestanding structure in the world; imagine the panoramic view on the city from there!
At the same time, the Rogers Centre was the first stadium in the world with a fully retractable and motorized roof; the SkyDome (former name) is the main place for various sports events.
10. Under the Ground
Toronto is the home for PATH, the largest underground shopping complex in the world, with around 1200 shops and services. The complex is connected to more than 50 buildings, 8 hotels, 6 subway stations and railway terminal, which makes it convenient to move through the PATH during bad weather.
These are just some facts about Toronto. As you can imagine, this city is full of surprises and has many things to offer; from the natural to man-made wonders, from rich gastronomic and cultural experience to engage in the business world. If you want to know more about Toronto, let us know in the comments below.
An additional fact is that our program is happening in Toronto every summer, make sure you check the vlog from this year and explore the city by watching!
Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for an unforgettable journey at TBA, we are looking forward to seeing you in Toronto summer school!
