It’s no secret that Ontario is a breathtaking outdoor playground of surreal natural landscapes and culturally diverse cosmopolitan cities. However, to truly get to know the Heartland Province is to explore beyond these popularized tourist images to fully immerse in the vibrant history, thriving industry, and abundant biodiversity of Ontario’s modern communities.
Within this list of fun Ontario facts and statistics, we will uncover lesser-known truths about the province’s past, present, and future. Don’t forget to check out my complete Ontario travel guide for more information as you plan your trip to our amazing province.
Quick Facts About Ontario
- The name Ontario comes from the Iroquois word “Kanadario,” which means “sparkling water,” reflecting the province’s many lakes and rivers.
- Ontario is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
- The Great Lakes, which border Ontario, contain about 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, supporting unique aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Ontario’s forests cover approximately 71 million hectares, making up about 66% of the province’s land area.
- Ontario’s freshwater lakes and rivers support a robust commercial and recreational fishing industry, with key species like trout, salmon, bass, and walleye.
- The Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is an ancient geological formation that supports unique habitats and rare plant species.
- Ontario is a leader in renewable energy, with about 90% of its electricity generated from non-emitting sources such as hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar power.
- The province has extensive deposits of aggregate materials, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which are essential for construction and infrastructure projects.
- Ontario’s wetlands are vital for water purification, flood control, and providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.
- Ontario’s conservation efforts aim to preserve its natural heritage with initiatives such as the establishment of national parks and protected areas.
Ontario’s Official Symbols
- Ontario’s flag features the province’s coat of arms on a field of red and white. It was adopted on May 21, 1965, and is a symbol of Ontario’s heritage and identity.
- Ontario’s official motto is “Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet,” which translates from Latin to “Loyal she began, loyal she remains.” It reflects the province’s loyalty to the Crown and its enduring commitment to its values and heritage.
- The official flower of Ontario is the trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), a delicate white flower with three petals. It blooms in early spring and is a cherished symbol of Ontario’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
- Ontario’s official gemstone is amethyst, renowned for its vibrant purple hues. The Thunder Bay region in northwestern Ontario is particularly famous for its high-quality amethyst deposits, attracting gemstone enthusiasts from around the world.
- The common loon (Gavia immer) is Ontario’s official bird. Known for its haunting calls and distinctive black-and-white plumage, the loon is a familiar sight on the province’s lakes and rivers, symbolizing Ontario’s wilderness and conservation efforts.
- Ontario’s official tree is the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), a majestic coniferous tree with long needles and tall, straight trunks. The white pine played a significant role in Ontario’s history, serving as a vital resource for the province’s early forestry industry.
- Ontario’s coat of arms features various symbols representing the province’s history, including a lion, a unicorn, maple leaves, and a shield with a cross. It was granted by King Edward VII in 1868 and underwent several revisions before its current design was adopted in 1987.
- The official fish of Ontario is the lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), a cold-water species native to the province’s lakes and rivers. Lake trout are prized by anglers for their size and fighting abilities, making them a popular game fish in Ontario.
- The monarch butterfly is Ontario’s official insect, symbolizing conservation and the remarkable migration from Ontario to Mexico.
- The eastern white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is Ontario’s official mammal. This iconic species is widely distributed across the province’s forests and woodlands, representing Ontario’s wildlife heritage and the importance of conservation efforts.
Ontario By The Numbers
- Ontario has over 330 provincial parks and conservation reserves, covering more than 9 million hectares of land, which is about 10% of the province’s total land area.
- Toronto has a growing network of bike lanes and trails totalling over 550 kilometres, encouraging eco-friendly transportation and recreation.
- Ontario is home to 22 public universities and 24 colleges, serving over 700,000 full-time students annually, making it the educational hub of Canada.
- Ontario’s technology sector is booming, with over 20,000 tech firms employing more than 300,000 people, particularly in cities like Toronto, Waterloo, and Ottawa.
- Ontario is a major player in Canada’s wine industry, with over 180 wineries, primarily located in the Niagara Peninsula, Prince Edward County, and the Lake Erie North Shore region.
- Ontario has nearly 250,000 licensed anglers and over 200,000 licensed hunters, reflecting the province’s rich tradition of outdoor sports and wildlife conservation.
- Ontario boasts over 1,000 public library branches, making it easy for residents to access books, digital resources, and community programs.
- The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is one of the largest public transit systems in North America, providing over 530 million rides annually on its buses, streetcars, and subways.
- In Toronto, over 140 languages and dialects are spoken, reflecting the city’s immense cultural diversity and global connections.
- Ontario is a leader in renewable energy in Canada, with about 90% of its electricity generated from non-emitting sources, including hydro, nuclear, wind, and solar power.
Ontario Tourism Facts
- Ontario welcomes over 150 million visitors each year, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in Canada.
- Tourism in Ontario contributes approximately $34 billion annually to the province’s economy, supporting a wide range of businesses and services.
- The tourism industry in Ontario employs over 400,000 people, making it a significant source of jobs across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and entertainment.
- Ontario attracts over 10 million international visitors annually, with the majority coming from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, China, and Germany.
- Canadians account for a significant portion of Ontario’s tourism, with millions of domestic travellers visiting for leisure, business, and family trips each year.
- Niagara Falls is the most visited attraction in Ontario, drawing around 14 million tourists annually.
- Toronto is the most visited city in Ontario, attracting over 27 million visitors each year, who come for its diverse cultural offerings, entertainment, and events.
- Summer is the peak travel season in Ontario, with July and August being the busiest months due to school vacations and favourable weather.
- Ontario offers a wide range of accommodation options, with over 3,000 hotels and motels providing more than 120,000 rooms to visitors across the province.
- Visitors to Ontario spend an estimated $30 billion annually, with expenditures on accommodation, food and beverages, transportation, entertainment, and retail shopping.
Geographical Facts About Ontario
- Ontario covers a total land area of 894,639 sq km and a total area of over one million sq km, including lakes and rivers.
- Ontario is larger than France and Spain combined.
- Ontario is the second largest province in Canada, only smaller than neighbouring Quebec.
- Ontario is home to more than 250,000 lakes that make up more than 177,000 sq ft. and one fifth of the world’s supply of freshwater.
- Ontario boasts a combined 4,175 km of fresh and saltwater shoreline.
- Found along these shorelines are 17 of Canada’s official Blue Flag beaches.
- Ontario is home to the world’s largest freshwater beach (Wasaga Beach) and the second largest (Sauble Beach).
- Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island are both found in Ontario and mark the southernmost point and region of Canada.
- Ontario borders five US states (Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New York) and two Canadian provinces (Manitoba and Quebec).
- The province itself is divided into three main geographic regions: Northern Ontario, Central Ontario, and Southern Ontario.
Historical Facts About Ontario
- Ontario’s Indigenous history spans millennia, with various First Nations communities thriving across the region long before European contact.
- French explorers, including Samuel de Champlain, ventured into Ontario in the 17th century, establishing early settlements and trade routes. One such settlement, French River, still exists today as a popular recreational area.
- After the American Revolutionary War, Ontario (then Upper Canada) became a British colony in 1791, attracting settlers loyal to the British Crown.
- Ontario was a significant battleground during the War of 1812, with key conflicts fought on its soil, influencing the outcome of the war and shaping Canadian identity.
- Ontario served as a crucial terminus on the Underground Railroad, offering freedom to enslaved individuals fleeing the United States.
- Ontario played a pivotal role in Confederation in 1867, joining as one of the original provinces of Canada and contributing to the country’s political and economic landscape.
- In the mid-19th century, Ontario experienced its own gold rush, attracting prospectors and leading to the development of mining towns and industries.
- Ontario’s canal systems, like the Welland and Rideau Canals, were engineering marvels of the 19th century, facilitating transportation and trade between the Great Lakes and other regions.
- Ontario has a rich history of labour activism, with movements advocating for workers’ rights, fair wages, and better working conditions throughout its industrial development.
- Ontario became a major center for the automotive industry in the early 20th century, with cities like Windsor and Oshawa hosting manufacturing plants for companies like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler, driving economic growth and technological innovation.
Ontario Cultural Heritage Facts
- Ontario is home to numerous Indigenous communities, including the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Métis peoples, each with their own rich cultural traditions and languages.
- The province has a diverse, multicultural population, with immigrants from around the world contributing to its vibrant cultural communities.
- Ontario’s historic sites and landmarks, such as Fort York in Toronto and Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg, offer insights into the province’s colonial history and early settlement.
- The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of cultural artifacts, including exhibits on Indigenous cultures, ancient civilizations, and contemporary art.
- Ontario’s cultural institutions, including theatres, art galleries, and music venues, host a wide range of performances and events that celebrate the province’s artistic heritage.
- The Ontario Heritage Trust preserves and promotes the province’s cultural heritage through initiatives such as heritage conservation, education programs, and heritage site designations.
- Ontario’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural influences, with diverse cuisines from around the world available in cities like Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton.
- Festivals and events celebrating Ontario’s cultural diversity, such as Caribana in Toronto, the Ottawa Tulip Festival, and the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, attract millions of visitors each year.
- Ontario’s literary heritage includes authors like Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro, and Michael Ondaatje, whose works have earned international acclaim and helped shape Canadian literature.
- The province’s cultural landscapes, including heritage neighbourhoods, urban murals, and public art installations, contribute to its sense of identity and provide spaces for community expression and engagement.
Facts About Ontario Landmarks
- The CN Tower in Toronto held the title of the world’s tallest freestanding structure for 32 years until 2007.
- The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto is one of the largest museums in North America and houses over six million items.
- Ontario hosts over 125 professional theatre companies, including world-renowned festivals such as the Stratford Festival and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
- The Thousand Islands, located in the St. Lawrence River, is home to over 1,800 islands.
- The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest continuously operated canal system in North America.
- Niagara Falls, straddling the border between Ontario and New York, is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world.
- Ontario has more than 270 National Historic Sites, recognizing locations of historical significance in areas such as culture, military history, and Indigenous heritage, including four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Ontario is home to over 600 museums, ranging from large institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, to smaller specialized museums like the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough.
- Casa Loma in Toronto is a historic castle and museum that offers guided tours and special events.
- Ontario boasts over 330 provincial parks, covering approximately 8% of the province’s landmass.
Ontario Facts About Nature & National Parks
- Algonquin Provincial Park, located in Central Ontario, is one of the oldest and largest provincial parks in Canada, offering pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife.
- Ontario is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
- The province boasts over 30,000 species of plants, fungi, and lichens, contributing to its rich biodiversity.
- Ontario’s diverse landscapes include boreal forests, Carolinian forests, wetlands, grasslands, and alpine regions, providing habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
- The Great Lakes, which border Ontario, contain about 20% of the world’s surface freshwater, supporting unique aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Ontario’s forests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration and climate regulation, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- The province is home to several species of large mammals, including moose, black bears, wolves, white-tailed deer, and cougars (though they are rare).
- Ontario’s freshwater rivers and lakes support diverse fish populations, including species like trout, salmon, bass, and walleye, making it a popular destination for anglers.
- The Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, is an ancient geological formation that supports unique habitats and rare plant species.
- Ontario’s wetlands, including those found in its national parks, are vital for water purification, flood control, and providing habitat for a variety of plant and animal species.
- The province’s conservation efforts, including the establishment of national parks and protected areas, aim to preserve Ontario’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Interesting Facts About The Natural Resources Of Ontario
- Ontario is Canada’s leading producer of minerals, including nickel, gold, copper, platinum group metals, and salt. The province’s mining industry generates billions of dollars annually.
- Ontario’s vast forests cover approximately 71 million hectares, making up about 66% of the province’s land area. These forests support a thriving forestry industry, producing timber, pulp, and paper products.
- Ontario is rich in freshwater resources, with over 250,000 lakes and numerous rivers. The Great Lakes alone account for about one-fifth of the world’s surface freshwater supply.
- Ontario’s agricultural sector is highly productive, with over 50,000 farms producing a wide variety of crops, including corn, soybeans, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. The province is also a major producer of dairy, poultry, and livestock.
- Ontario harnesses its abundant water resources to generate hydroelectric power, with major facilities located on rivers such as the Niagara, Ottawa, and St. Lawrence. Hydropower accounts for a significant portion of the province’s electricity supply.
- Ontario is a leader in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power. The province has over 5,000 megawatts of installed wind capacity and numerous solar farms contributing to its clean energy mix.
- Ontario relies heavily on nuclear power for its electricity needs. The province operates three nuclear power plants—Bruce, Darlington, and Pickering—providing about 60% of its electricity.
- Ontario has significant natural gas resources and infrastructure, including storage facilities and pipelines. Natural gas is an important energy source for heating, electricity generation, and industrial processes.
- The province has extensive deposits of aggregate materials, such as sand, gravel, and crushed stone, which are essential for construction and infrastructure projects.
- Ontario’s freshwater lakes and rivers support a robust commercial and recreational fishing industry. Key species include walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and salmon, contributing to the province’s economy and tourism.
Fun Facts About Ontario Cities & Towns
- Toronto is the fourth largest city in North America, with a total population of over three million people.
- With over 156 waterfalls found within its city limits, Hamilton Ontario has been designated the Waterfall Capital of the World.
- Tim Hortons, a staple of any Canadian road trip, first opened in Hamilton, Ontario, in 1964.
- Kingston served as the first capital of the United Province of Canada between 1841 and 1844.
- Located just south of Detroit, Windsor is the most southern city in all of Canada.
- Kitchener, a city of 200,000 people, is home to the world’s largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Germany.
- Whitby, Ontario, is home to Camp X, a historic spy school that operated during WWII and is said to have famously trained Ian Fleming and Ronal Dahl.
- As a result of three convicted serial killers between 1959 and 1984, London, Ontario, earned the reputation of being the Serial Killer Capital of the world, a title it continues to hold today.
- Markham, Ontario, is one of the most diverse cities in Canada, with over 70% of its population identifying as visible minorities.
- The Sudbury Basin in Sudbury is the third-largest impact crater on Earth and dates back nearly 1.9 billion years.
- Ontario is home to two capital cities – the provincial capital in Toronto and the Federal Capital in Ottawa.
- James Naismith, the man who invented basketball, was born in Almonte, a small town in eastern Ontario.
Facts About Ontario Population
- Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, with over 14 million residents.
- Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest in North America.
- Ontario is one of the most multicultural regions in the world, with over 200 different ethnic origins reported by its residents.
- The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in North America.
- Ottawa, the national capital of Canada, has a population of over one million people.
- The population density of Ontario is higher than any other province in Canada, with most residents concentrated in the southern part of the province.
- Ontario’s population growth is driven by immigration, with thousands of newcomers settling in the province each year.
- The median age of Ontario residents is slightly higher than the national average, reflecting an aging population.
- Northern Ontario, while vast in size, has a much lower population density compared to the southern regions.
- Ontario is officially bilingual, with English and French recognized as its official languages. While English is the predominant language spoken, there are French-speaking communities, particularly in areas like Eastern Ontario and parts of Northern Ontario.
Facts About Ontario Industry
- Ontario is Canada’s leading manufacturing province, with industries ranging from automotive to aerospace.
- The automotive industry is a significant contributor to Ontario’s economy, with major manufacturing plants operated by companies like General Motors, Ford, and Toyota.
- The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is a hub for technology and innovation, with numerous startups and established tech companies.
- Ontario is a major producer of agricultural products, including grains, fruits, and vegetables.
- The mining industry is important to Ontario’s economy, with significant deposits of minerals like gold, nickel, and copper.
- The province is a leader in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar power generation.
- Ontario’s film and television industry, centred in Toronto and surrounding areas, is one of the largest in North America.
- Tourism is a significant industry in Ontario, with attractions like Niagara Falls and the Muskoka Lakes drawing millions of visitors each year.
- Aerospace and defence industries play a crucial role in Ontario’s economy, with companies like Bombardier and CAE having a presence in the province.
- Ontario’s financial sector, centred in Toronto’s Financial District, is a major contributor to the province’s GDP and employs thousands of people in banking, insurance, and investment services.
Facts About Ontario Sports
- The Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Toronto, celebrates the history and achievements of ice hockey and honours its greatest players, coaches, and builders.
- Ontario is home to several professional sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), and Toronto FC (MLS).
- The Canadian Football League’s (CFL) oldest team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, is based in Hamilton, Ontario.
- Ontario hosts several major golf tournaments, including the RBC Canadian Open and the CP Women’s Open, attracting top players from around the world.
- Toronto is known for its annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world.
- Ontario is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding throughout the province.
- The Rogers Cup, an annual tennis tournament held in Toronto and Montreal, attracts top international tennis players and is part of the ATP and WTA tours.
- Ontario is home to numerous marathons and road races, including the Toronto Marathon and the Ottawa Marathon, drawing runners from across Canada and beyond.
- Ontario’s Great Lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, sailing, and watersports, with marinas and yacht clubs dotting the shoreline.
- The Ontario Sports Hall of Fame honours athletes and sports figures who have made significant contributions to the province’s sporting legacy.
Ontario Entertainment Facts
- Ontario is home to Canada’s largest film and television production industry, centred in Toronto and known as “Hollywood North.”
- The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, attracting filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the globe.
- Ontario has a vibrant live music scene, with venues ranging from intimate clubs to large arenas hosting concerts by local and international artists.
- The Stratford Festival in Stratford, Ontario, is one of the premier theater festivals in North America, featuring productions of Shakespearean plays and other classics.
- Ontario’s casino resorts, such as Casino Niagara and Casino Rama, offer gaming, entertainment, and dining options for visitors looking to try their luck.
- Toronto’s vibrant theatre district, located in the downtown Entertainment District, features a wide range of performances, including Broadway musicals, plays, and comedy shows.
- Ontario is home to several theme parks and attractions, including Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan and the Niagara Parks attractions in Niagara Falls.
- The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is one of Canada’s leading orchestras, performing classical and contemporary music at Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto.
- Ontario’s vibrant arts and culture scene includes galleries, museums, and cultural institutions showcasing works by Canadian and international artists.
- The National Ballet of Canada, based in Toronto, is one of the world’s premier ballet companies, performing classical and contemporary works to audiences worldwide.
