Discovery Series – Toronto

Discovery Series – Toronto is a mug for Canada’s dynamic metropolis, where global culture, iconic skylines, and vibrant neighborhoods come together on the shores of Lake Ontario.

Toronto’s origins trace to 1793 when Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe established the town of York as Upper Canada’s capital. The city grew slowly until the mid-1800s, when railway construction and immigration transformed it into Canada’s commercial center, officially becoming Toronto in 1834. The 20th century brought waves of immigration – initially from Europe, then from around the globe following liberalized immigration policies in the 1960s – creating one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Toronto surpassed Montreal as Canada’s largest city and financial capital, while amalgamation in 1998 united six municipalities into today’s megacity of nearly 3 million people.

– Princes’ Gates welcome visitors to Exhibition Place with their distinctive triumphal arch design, built in 1927 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation and named for the Prince of Wales. The ornate Beaux-Arts structure features winged statues and serves as the iconic entrance to the Canadian National Exhibition grounds. These gates have become synonymous with the CNE, Canada’s largest annual fair held every summer since 1879.

– Downtown skyline and CN Tower define Toronto’s unmistakable profile, with the 1,815-foot tower dominating as the Western Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure since 1976. The skyline’s cluster of financial district skyscrapers, condominium towers, and the distinctive CN Tower create one of North America’s most recognizable cityscapes. Views from the tower’s observation decks reveal Toronto’s vast sprawl extending to Lake Ontario’s shores and beyond.

– Humber Bay Arch Bridge spans the Martin Goodman Trail with its striking red steel arch design, connecting parkland along Toronto’s western waterfront. Completed in 1994, this pedestrian and cyclist bridge has become a landmark for recreationists using the extensive lakefront trail system. The photogenic structure frames views of the downtown skyline across Humber Bay.

– Old City Hall stands as a Romanesque Revival masterpiece completed in 1899, its clock tower and ornate stonework dominating a downtown block even as newer buildings surround it. Designed by E.J. Lennox, the building served as municipal headquarters until 1965, when the New City Hall opened. Today, it houses courtrooms while remaining one of Toronto’s most photographed heritage buildings.

– Scarborough Bluffs rise dramatically up to 300 feet above Lake Ontario’s eastern shoreline, creating striking white clay cliffs stretching 9 miles. These geological formations, carved by glaciers and erosion over millennia, offer beaches, parks, and spectacular views. The bluffs provide natural beauty and outdoor recreation within Toronto’s urban boundaries.

– Hockey runs through Toronto’s DNA as home to the Maple Leafs, one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, with passionate fans despite decades without a Stanley Cup. The sport dominates winter conversations, with arenas across the city hosting youth leagues and pickup games. Toronto’s hockey obsession reflects Canada’s national passion and the city’s identity as a hockey town.

– The Toronto streetcar system operates the largest streetcar network in North America, with red-and-white vehicles running on eleven routes through downtown and inner neighborhoods. Dating to 1861 as horse-drawn cars, the system survived when most North American cities abandoned streetcars, becoming integral to Toronto’s transit identity. The distinctive streetcars navigate busy streets while connecting neighborhoods to subway lines.

– High Park and Maple Leaf Gardens represent Toronto’s blend of natural spaces and sports heritage, with High Park’s 400 acres offering gardens, ravines, and cherry blossoms while Maple Leaf Gardens housed the beloved Leafs from 1931-1999. High Park remains Toronto’s largest public park and a beloved green space for all seasons. The historic Gardens building now contains a grocery store and university athletic facilities, preserving its iconic facade.

– Toronto International Film Festival transforms the city each September into the world’s premier public film festival, premiering Oscar contenders and attracting Hollywood stars since 1976. TIFF’s accessible format, allowing public ticket purchases alongside industry screenings, has made it uniquely influential in launching awards campaigns. The festival cements Toronto’s status as “Hollywood North” and a major film production center.

– Peameal bacon sandwiches are Toronto’s signature food, featuring brined pork loin rolled in cornmeal, griddled, and served on a bun at St. Lawrence Market and delis citywide. This distinctly Toronto creation differs from American bacon and became a local staple at the famous Carousel Bakery. The humble sandwich embodies Toronto’s unpretentious food culture and market traditions.