Ontario is a province in central and eastern Canada with an area of 1,076,395 km2 licensed by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Its big cities include Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton, and its capital is Toronto. Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with a population of over 14 million people that make up over 38.3% of the overall Canadian population. It is a diverse province, with a rich cultural heritage, lush natural beauty, and vibrant cities and towns. Its economy is among the strongest in Canada, and its government is known for strong public services and a commitment to health, education and the environment. This text will explore the history of Ontario, its economy, government, culture and attractions.
Getting to Know Ontario
Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with a population of more than 14.6 million people as of 2019. It is located in the eastern part of the country and occupies much of the Great Lakes region.
Ontario is part of the Eastern Time Zone, with daylight saving time in effect from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November each year.
English is the official language of Ontario, but according to Gallup's 2009/2010 National Survey of Canadian Attitudes, over 6 million people in the province can speak both English and French—making it one of the most bilingual provinces in the country. There are also several Indigenous languages still spoken in the province, including Ojibwe and Cree.
The currency of Ontario is the Canadian dollar.
Climate and Weather
Ontario has a humid continental climate, Ontario is influenced by both its proximity to the Great Lakes and by the natural expanse of its southern part of the province. It has warm, humid summers and cold winter temperatures. The moderating effect of the Great Lakes makes the climate even milder than it would be otherwise. Precipitation varies widely across the province. Summer tends to be hot and dry while the winter months are colder and wetter. During winter months, most parts of the province will experience snow. Because of its geographical setting, extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can occur in the province. On average, temperatures in the south of the province can reach highs in the 30s in the summer months, and the winter months see lows near -20.
Touring Ontario: Airport and Transportation
There are over 110 airports in Ontario, the biggest ones being Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), Hamilton International Airport (YHM), London International Airport (YXU), Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW), Kingston Norman Rogers Airport (YGK), etc.
You can get from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to downtown Toronto by taking the UP Express train, which costs about $12.95 for a one-way adult ticket, or you can take the public transit (TTC) buses, which cost $3.25. You can also take a taxi, which will cost between $45 and $60 one way.
You can exchange money at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) by using an ATM, or you can use the four Travelex stores located in the Arrivals area of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Ontario
- Ontario is home to many unique Indigenous cultures, with rich historic and linguistic traditions
- Tourists can explore Ontario's early European heritage at more than 700 sites throughout the province, including forts, lighthouses, jails, courthouses, and more
- Ontario is home to vibrant and diverse cultural experiences, art galleries, and performance spaces, including many award-winning museums and artisans
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