Between its lively cityscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, Ontario’s appeal is hardly a secret. It’s also one of the most culturally diverse regions in the country, offering visitors and residents a wide range of sights, activities, and experiences. Let’s delve into what makes Ontario unique and why it’s an exceptional choice for homebuyers.
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An Overview of Ontario: The Heartland Province
Widely known as the “Gateway to Canada,” Ontario is the second-largest province in the country and also one of the wealthiest. It spans approximately 1.07 million square kilometres (about 415,000 square miles), and houses more than a third of the country’s total population.
Ontario’s prime location in East-Central Canada means it’s easily accessible to several parts of the United States, as well as other Canadian provinces such Quebec and Manitoba, which lie east and west of Ontario, respectively. The United States lies south, but is separated by the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes.
Ontario is incredibly diverse and includes vast urban and rural areas within its borders. The northwestern region consists mostly of the Canadian Shield forests, where you’ll find expansive uplands, meandering rivers, and large lakes. In contrast, Southern Ontario houses the province’s major urban centers such as Ottawa (the country’s capital), Toronto, Hamilton, and Kingston. This translates to a wide range of activities and attractions for both city dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts, contributing to Ontario’s universal appeal.
Why You’ll Love Living in Ontario, Canada
Ontario enjoys all four seasons
Ontario has an excellent healthcare system
Ontario has a high standard of education
The job market and economy is diverse
There’s an abundance of outdoor activities available
It’s one of the most multicultural places in Canada
It has top-notch public transportation
The strong arts and culture
Not every part of North America can say they enjoy all four seasons, but Ontario is one of the lucky ones. Living in Ontario, Canada allows residents to enjoy the beauty of leaves changing color in the fall, snowy winters, and vibrant blossoms in spring. In the summer, the days are balmy and rainfall is rare, and most people can head to the nearby lakes to cool off. This seasonal diversity opens up a wide array of outdoor activities and seasonal food, fostering a stronger connection with nature among residents.
While there are some variances to the weather across the region, especially from north to south, in general, July is considered the hottest month and January is the coldest.
Canada’s decentralized healthcare system is a major draw, especially for those migrating from countries with limited or no universal healthcare. The country’s healthcare system, Medicare, puts the responsibility of funding and administering health and medical services primarily on the shoulders of its provinces and territories, and Ontario is widely considered to be one of Medicare’s best administrators.
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is the main provider of public health coverage. Qualified citizens can apply for a health card from OHIP, which will, in turn, pay for most of your medically necessary healthcare services. These include emergency room visits, consultations with your family doctor, and medical tests and surgeries.
This year, the Ontario government plans to allocate billions of dollars towards improving its healthcare infrastructure. The Globe and Mail reports that approximately $1 billion will be going towards hospitals, $2 billion will be aimed at making home care more accessible and raising wages for personal support workers and nurses, and $152 million will be dedicated to providing adequate housing for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions.
Ontario’s public school system is one of the most highly-praised in the country, making it easier for families to send their children to top-ranking schools. The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) results highlight the province’s high achievement in the areas of mathematics, reading, and science.
Those who want to pursue higher education here have ample opportunities to enroll in a few of the country’s top-ranking universities, including the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, McMaster University in Hamilton, and Western University in London.
Ontario is an economic mecca and Canada’s largest economy. According to data from IBIS World, the province achieved a GDP of $800.4 billion in 2023, marking a consistent growth of 1.7% from 2018 to 2023.
What’s even more impressive is the average annual employment growth rate, which reached 512.3% over the past five years. Ontario does have a massive talent pool and a growing economy — it employed a total of 4.9 million individuals in 2023 alone.
So, which industries or sectors play the largest roles in Ontario’s GDP growth? Real estate, manufacturing, and finance/insurance lead the charge, followed by professional, scientific, and technical services. On the employment front, retail and food service sectors have the largest workforce.
Ontario’s expansive natural landscapes and commitment to preserving its natural resources make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cycling is among the most popular outdoor activities, enjoyed year-round across the city and countryside. The province offers a well-developed network of trails, offering opportunities to explore both natural and urban surroundings. In winter, fat biking (also known as off-road bicycling, is incredibly popular.
With thousands of kilometres of coastline, water recreation is a significant part of the Ontario lifestyle. Scenic destinations such as the French River, Georgian Bay, and Lake Temagami offer opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding, adding to the variety of experiences available for outdoor enthusiasts in the province.
Then there are the gorgeous Niagara Falls, one of the region’s most recognizable natural wonders. Located in southeastern Ontario. Niagara Falls brings in millions of visitors each year, significantly boosting the region’s tourism.
Ontario’s population and cultural fabric are incredibly diverse. The province is home to more than half of the country’s most recent immigrants. Over 100 First Nation groups reside in the province, including the Anishinaabe, Algonquin, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Even a quick stroll through the local Chinatown, Greektown, and Koreatown neighborhoods will reveal all the different ways of life, from culinary traditions to artistic expressions, that make up Ontario’s unique identity.
This multiculturalism is one of the hallmarks of Toronto, whose motto is “Diversity, Our Strength.” The city has the highest foreign-born population not just in Canada, but in North America. (Vancouver comes in second.) This diverse community contributes significantly to Ontario’s dynamic arts scene, food, and economy, and can be seen in various community events, including the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival, Taste of the Danforth, the Toronto Chinatown Festival, and Grand River Champion of Champions Pow Wow.
Ontario offers a modern, well-connected public transportation system in most of its major cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton. Buses and trains are commonly used for daily commutes, school runs, and even intercity travel. These transit hubs also provide convenient shuttle connections to airports, downtown districts, and key tourist attractions, making travel extra convenient for both visitors and residents.
When it comes to arts and culture, Ontario is hard to beat. Toronto alone is home to several internationally renowned cultural institutions, including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum. The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is held here annually. Ottawa also has its share of cultural facilities, most notably the National Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Canada.
But the arts can be enjoyed anywhere in Ontario, not just in its major cities. The Stratford Festival, formerly known as the Stratford Shakespearean Festival of Canada, takes place in Stratford, a city in Southeastern Ontario. The Blyth Festival, held in the small village of Blyth in Huron Country, draws in a crowd of more than 40,000 annually. It’s one of the largest theatrical festivals in the region, having produced more than 200 plays since its establishment in 1975.
Things to Do in Ontario, Canada
When it comes to places to see and things to do in Ontario, the sky’s the limit. From museum-hopping to kayaking across Lake Ontario, the province offers a wealth of activities no matter your interests.
Visit Niagara Falls
Go on a food crawl
- TORONTO
- OTTAWA
- HAMILTON
Explore Ontario’s museums
- The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, which showcases Canadian and Indigenous art;
- The Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, which highlights Canada’s military history;
- The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, an interactive museum filled with iced hockey history and National Hockey League memorabilia; and
- The Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, a natural history museum housed inside a historic castle-like structure.
Discover Ontario’s lakes and waterways
Indulge in your favourite outdoor pastime
Niagara Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada for a reason. The falls straddle the U.S.-Canada border and are composed of three different sections: Horseshoe Falls/Canadian Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Once you’re done touring the falls, guests can go to Clifton Hill and ride the massive Niagara Skywheel, or indulge in delicious meals at the nearby restaurants.
The best way to get to know a place is through its food, and Ontario has a wide range of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Here’s a sampling of its culinary offerings by city:
Toronto’s diversity is evident in its food. The Danforth, also known as Greektown, is home to staples such as the Astoria Shish Kebob House which has been serving locals in the Greater Toronto Area for nearly 52 years. Just five minutes away is Athens Restaurant, another neighborhood institution that serves up authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
It’s no surprise that some of the best bulgogi and ramyun can be found in Koreatown, which occupies much of Bloor Street in Seaton Village. Sunrise House, Korean Village Restaurant, and Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu are just a few of the most highly regarded dining spots.
For the finest French eats, you can’t go wrong with Scaramouche, an upscale fine dining restaurant with views of the Toronto skyline. Another noteworthy spot is Edulis Restaurant, which prides itself on elevated Canadian food featuring locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.
Fraser Cafe on Springfield Road is a quaint, unassuming restaurant that is praised for its local and international cuisine. On Rideau Street, you’ll find Shawarma Palace which serves up some of the best Middle Eastern plates in the city (including “Ottawa’s Favourite Shawarma”).
For mouthwatering South Indian food, make sure to stop by Thali, a seasonal restaurant helmed by award-winning chef Joe Thottungal. Ottawa’s Chinatown, nestled along Somerset Street, is home to local favourites Sushi 88 and New Pho Bo Ga La.
Hamilton has a bevy of small dining spots and trendy restaurants worth checking out, especially along major thoroughfares like Main Street. Nannaa Eatery serves up a long lineup of Persian delights, while The Express Restaurant offers top-notch Italian food crafted from fresh ingredients. For fine dining, look no further than Quatrefoil, an upscale French-inspired restaurant located in the Dundas neighborhood.
dozens of cultural centers worth exploring in Ontario. At the top of the list is The Royal Ontario Museum, one of the pioneering cultural institutions in Canada and the country’s largest museum. The ROM, as it’s often called, houses approximately 13 million objects across 40 galleries, with subjects ranging from fine art to natural history.
Other noteworthy institutions include:Did you know that Ontario has more than half a million rivers and lakes? Navigating its intricate network of waterways can be an exciting day trip idea, especially if you enjoy boating, kayaking, or canoeing.
The most ideal place to start is none other than The Great Lakes. Four out of five lakes touch Canadian borders: Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. These lakes are excellent for boating, thanks to their protected waters and massive size, as well as navigability.
If you want a bit more adventure, the French River – sometimes referred to as the sixth Great Lake – offers plenty of narrow, hidden channels waiting to be explored by kayak. The Goulais River in Northern Ontario is another wonderful paddling spot that winds through the Canadian Shield forests. The northern Goulais is better suited for intermediate-level paddlers, while the lower Goulais has flatter waters that are great for beginners.
Endowed with great natural beauty, Ontario offers a plethora of outdoor pursuits. Experienced hikers regularly traverse the Top of the Giant, Nipigon River, and Casque Isles trails. These are considered thru-hikes with the exception of Nipigon River, the shortest of the three at 10 kilometres.
Novice hikers and those looking for a relaxed trek can head to the Barron Canyon Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park, which spans only 1.5 kilometres and ends with a beautiful, uninterrupted view of the namesake Barron Canyon. A lengthier option is the Elora Gorge Trail in the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, a 7.5-km hike that features a stunning waterfall.
Anglers, meanwhile, will especially love living in Ontario, Canada. The freshwater game fish in the province. Some of the best fishing spots in the region include Lake Erie, specifically Rondeau Bay, which is known for its abundance of smallmouth and largemouth bass. The deep waters of Lake Huron boast plentiful lake trout and salmon for those who are up for a challenge. Meanwhile, Lake Nipissing’s shallower waters are best for catching walleye.
Winter in Ontario is an excellent time to go to the backcountry and hit the snow. Several provincial parks offer cross-country ski trails, including the stunning Sleeping Giant Provincial Park in Pass Lake. Only an hour east of Thunder Bay, this 244-square-kilometre park offers nearly 50 kilometres of groomed skiing trails fit for individuals of varying skill levels. Other excellent spots include Kamview Nordic Centre in Northwest Ontario, Stokely Creek Lodge in Algoma County, and Kivi Park in Northeastern Ontario.
Practical Considerations When Moving to Ontario
Moving to a new place requires plenty of preparation and research. To make your move to Ontario as smooth and enjoyable as possible, keep these factors in mind:
- Housing and neighborhood preferences. Ontario’s real estate market offers a wide range of housing options, depending on the city or neighborhood. Before starting your house hunt, it’s best to know what your non-negotiables are in a house and in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as proximity to amenities, public transportation, schools, and work opportunities.
- Local market trends. Be sure to talk to your Realtor about the current housing market in Ontario as it will impact your buying decisions. Keeping an eye on things such as fluctuations in property prices, inventory levels, and interest rates will help you make informed choices as you prepare to purchase a new home. Stay updated on the local market to ensure you don’t miss out on potential deals.
- Cost of living. The cost of living in Ontario, Canada varies depending on the region, your lifestyle choices, and family size. For example, living in an urban area like Toronto will be more expensive than a student-friendly city like Waterloo. It’s essential to consider various factors such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and childcare before deciding where to move.
Own Your Dream Ontario Property
Discover the best homes for sale in Ontario, Canada and experience what it’s like to live in The Heartland Province. Rob Golfi and The Golfi Team are more than ready to help you navigate the local real estate market. With more than $450 million in sales and several top-producing real estate agents on our team, we guarantee a smooth and successful transaction that helps you secure your dream home, hassle-free.
Contact The Golfi Team at 1.800.288.9184 or 1.905.575.7700. Visit our website for more information.