Overview
About Ontario
Ontario is Canada's most populous and economically powerful province, contributing roughly 38% of Canada's GDP. The province is home to Toronto — Canada's financial, media, and cultural capital — as well as Ottawa, the nation's capital. Ontario borders the Great Lakes to the south and stretches north to Hudson Bay, encompassing a massive range of geography, from densely urban Greater Toronto Area to vast wilderness in the north.
The Golden Horseshoe region — stretching from Oshawa through Toronto and Hamilton to Niagara — is one of the most densely populated and economically active corridors in North America. Ontario accounts for roughly half of all immigration to Canada, making it one of the world's most multicultural regions.
Top Cities
Best Cities in Ontario
Toronto
Largest
Canada's global city & financial capital
Pop: 2.9MHomes: $1.15M
Ottawa
Capital
Canada's capital — bilingual, livable, affordable
Pop: 1MHomes: $640K
Mississauga
GTA
Ontario's second-largest city, diverse & dynamic
Pop: 717KHomes: $975K
Milton
Fastest Growing
Canada's fastest-growing city, family-friendly
Pop: 132KHomes: $920K
Pros & Cons of Living in Ontario
✓ Why Move to Ontario
- Canada's largest job market and economy
- World-class healthcare and universities
- Incredible multicultural diversity
- No provincial sales tax on most necessities
- Strong public transit in GTA
- Cultural events, sports, arts, entertainment
- Easy access to US border and travel
✗ Challenges of Ontario
- High housing costs in GTA and Ottawa
- High provincial income tax rates
- Cold, snowy winters throughout most areas
- Heavy traffic congestion in GTA
- High cost of living overall
- Housing supply lagging population growth
- Long healthcare wait times in some areas
FAQ
Ontario Living Questions
Outside of the GTA, cities like Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, and Cornwall offer significantly more affordable housing — often with average home prices well under $500,000. Within a commuting distance of Toronto, cities like Hamilton, Brantford, and Kitchener-Waterloo offer relative affordability.
Yes — Ontario is Canada's top destination for immigrants due to its massive job market, settlement services, multicultural communities, and world-class education. The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) offers several immigration pathways. Toronto alone is home to over 200 languages.