Moving to the Toronto Metropolitan Area, ON

An Overview of the Toronto Metropolitan Area, ON

Comprising the City of Toronto and four regional municipalities — York, Halton, Peel, and Durham — the Toronto Metropolitan Area (or Greater Toronto Area) is the fifth-largest metro area in North America. It contains 25 municipalities and is home to 5.5 million residents. As a gateway region, the region attracts many new immigrants, making it one of the most culturally diverse metro areas in the world. Toronto is one of the fastest-growing financial centres on the continent, employing more people in finance than any other Canadian city — a full 25% of the financial sector's workforce. Sometimes called Hollywood North, Toronto is a hub for media, technology, advertising, and entertainment industries, and home to the headquarters for such industry titans as Marriot International, Microsoft Canada, Intel, Nordstrom, and Thomson Reuters. With stunning scenery, a plethora of cultural centres and major entertainment venues, and a commitment to preserving nature while providing access to some of the most iconic terrains and natural sites in the world, the Toronto Metropolitan Area has something to offer every visitor and resident.

Counties in the Toronto Metropolitan Area

In addition to the city of Toronto, there are four regional municipalities in the Toronto Metropolitan Area:

• Toronto. The city of Toronto is located in the Province of Ontario, and home to 2.9 million people — more than half the population of the entire metro area. The largest towns, villages, and suburbs of Toronto include Scarborough, East York, North York, and Etobicoke.
• York. With a population of 1.1 million people, the regional municipality of York is the third-largest region. Its major cities and towns include King, Markham, Vaughn, and Newmarket. 
• Halton. Halton is the least populous region of the Toronto Metropolitan Area, with a population of just 548.435. Its cities include Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, and Oakville.
• Peel. With a population of 1.3 million, Peel is the second-largest regional municipality in the region. Its major cities and towns include Mississauga — the fourth-largest city in Canada — as well as Brampton and Caledon.
• Durham. Durham is the second smallest municipal region in the Toronto Metropolitan Area, with a population of 645,862. Its largest townships and villages include Oshawa, Uxbridge, and Pickering.

Cities and Suburbs in the Toronto Metropolitan Area

The four largest cities in the Toronto Metropolitan Area are:

• Toronto. Toronto is the largest city in the Toronto Metropolitan Area, and the capital of Ontario. With more than half the population identifying as born outside Canada, it's generally regarded as one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Home to the CN Tower, the third largest tower in the world, Toronto is home to major universities, media companies, culinary centres, and an impressive network of urban and suburban space for outdoor recreation.
• Mississauga. The fifth-largest city in Canada, and third-largest in Ontario, Mississauga is a young and growing city located just 45 minutes from Toronto. Like Toronto, its population is very diverse, as is its business base. With many planned neighbourhoods and a commitment to smart growth, Mississauga has regularly featured on the ReMax list of the most livable Canadian cities.
• Brampton. One of the 10 largest cities in Canada, Brampton is known for its open embrace of its multicultural population, even in an area that is famous as one of the most diverse regions in the world. With more than 6,000 acres of parklands and beautiful, tree-lined streetscapes, Brampton is a haven for those who want to enjoy the best of nature while still being close to the amenities of a world-class metro area.
• Markham. Located in the York regional municipality, Markham is the fourth-largest city in the Toronto Metropolitan Area. The city has historically had a large, thriving Asian community, with businesses that cater to a diverse melting pot of families from many different countries. Many of the city's neighbourhoods feature well-preserved period architecture, mature trees, and an eclectic mix of old and new shops and housing.

Smaller nearby cities with plenty of activities, boutiques, dining options, and entertainment to offer include:

• Oakville. One of Toronto's most affluent suburbs, Oakville is known for its excellent private and public schools, and for its stunning waterfront estates. Rated high for safety and access to outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as its easy access to Toronto and Mississauga, Oakville attracts executives and professionals with growing families.
• Oshawa. Located in the Durham region, the town of Oshawa boasts beautiful gardens, two waterfront parks, and an impressive array of specialty museums, including the Canadian Automotive Museum, The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum, Parkwood National Historical Site, and Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens.

What Are the Best Things to Do in the Toronto Metropolitan Area?

The Toronto Metropolitan Area has no shortage of experiences for nature lovers and city enthusiasts alike. Here are some of the best things to do in the Toronto Metropolitan Area:

• CN Tower — Toronto. Still one of the tallest towers in the world, the CN Tower attracts international visitors from around the globe to enjoy the views from the observation decks, dine at the 360 and dare to circumnavigate the outside of the tower 116 stories above the ground.
• Hockey Hall of Fame — Toronto. The Hockey Hall of Fame is more than a museum — it's an interactive experience where you can try to get a slapshot past legendary goaltender Carey Price, block shots on goal from superstar Connor McDavid, or record your own take on the play-by-play of famous showdowns.
• Rattray Marsh — Mississauga. Spend an afternoon getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna that populate the lake marshes. The boardwalks provide safe access for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and other nature enthusiasts. 
• Canadian Automotive Museum — Oshawa. The Canadian Automotive Museum is a nod to the region's history in the automobile industry, but it will appeal to more than just the motorheads in your group. Kids of all ages will love the chance to take a photo with Lightning McQueen and explore some of the most iconic Canadian cars in history. 
• Glowzone 360 — Brampton. Interested in glow in the dark mini-golf? Glowzone 360 includes mini-gold, laser tag, and a wild redemption arcade to keep you and the kids active and entertained for a few hours on a weekend afternoon.