Toronto history is not one simple story. It includes Indigenous lands and relationships, colonial settlement, industry, migration, planning decisions and continual neighbourhood change.
Before the city
Learn about the Indigenous peoples and treaties connected to the Toronto area through authoritative Indigenous and institutional sources.
Old Town and industry
St. Lawrence, the waterfront and Distillery District show how trade, rail and industry shaped the city.
Immigration and neighbourhoods
Kensington Market, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and many other districts reflect changing migration patterns without being frozen in the past.
Use heritage responsibly
Historic buildings may be active homes, businesses or sacred spaces. Follow access rules and avoid reducing communities to tourist themes.