1 Hotel Toronto

The City of Toronto covers 640 square kilometers on the northwest shore of Lake Ontario. The name Toronto was derived from an Iroquois word meaning, ‘where there are trees in the water,’ referring to what is now known as a fishing weir. Toronto’s name surely suits its topography, as it sits atop a plateau beautifully interrupted by various river valleys and ravines.

Lake Ontario plays a central role in mediating Toronto’s climate, keeping temperatures relatively mild as the passing seasons put on captivating shows. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range between −1°C (30°F) to 26°C (80°F). You can expect to see plenty of snowfall in the winter, cherry blossoms in the spring, sunshine and humidity in the summer, and vibrant amber foliage in the fall.

Toronto’s numerous river valleys and ravines create many lush, densely-forested areas in the middle of its urban cityscape. It’s estimated that Toronto has up to 10 million trees, including native maple, oak, beech, birch, pine, and beyond. Throughout the city’s green spaces, stroll through colorful fields of wild bergamot, harebell, prairie grasses, and prairie flowers. Along the water, explore wetlands lined with cattails and blue-flag iris.

This waterfront city is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including coyotes, foxes, deer, squirrels, opossums, and over 300 species of birds — from hawks and eagles flying through the air to ducks, geese, and waterfowl floating in the lake. In the waters of Lake Ontario, you might find Atlantic salmon, sunfish, trout, sturgeon, frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and more.

Perhaps Toronto’s most magnificent natural wonder is the stunning and tranquil Lake Ontario. Throughout the city, there are so many opportunities to stroll or picnic along the waterfront. On the eastern shores of Toronto, you’ll find the famous Scarborough Bluffs, showcasing wondrous rock formations, panoramic lake views, and quiet spaces to savor the sounds of nature. One of the few cities with a biodiversity strategy, Toronto is 13% parkland. High Park is the largest and most popular in the city, featuring beautiful walking trails, great fishing spots at Grenadier Pond, and endless verdant views. 
 

Positioned next to a gorgeous Great Lake, Toronto is uniquely passionate about sustainability, which shows through in its recycling and composting initiatives as well as its bans on single-use plastics and the cosmetic use of pesticides. The city maintains an ambitious goal to reach net zero emissions by 2040, exploring topics such as thermal energy, electric vehicle incentives, carbon offsets, and overall resiliency plans to reach it. The town also has a Pollinator Protection Strategy in place, representing its dedication to supporting the biodiversity that makes it such a unique urban environment.