For many Canadians or foreigners who become residents, Ontario is an attractive destination to visit or move to on a permanent basis. This is a prosperous province with plenty of great cities as well as smaller country towns, and it has a milder climate than what you would expect at that latitude. Ontario receives a steady influx of people from all sides and is considered to be the most cosmopolitan part of the nation, but it still retains an authentic identity that must be experienced in person to be truly appreciated.

To help you prepare for the minor cultural shock that awaits you once you land in Ontario, we tried to find the most characteristic aspects of life there that might not be widely known.

Unique Mix of Indigenous, Colonial, and Modern History

As one of the first areas where European explorers and settlers came into contact with native populations, the Great Lakes region of North America has a special historical significance. This legacy is present all over Ontario, which is dotted with monuments and markers commemorating key pieces of Canada’s proud history. By visiting some of them and learning the stories about people who set the foundations of the province as we know it, newcomers to Ontario can start their process of adopting local values and customs.

Despite its illustrious past, the province is not trapped in it. Ontario is a very modern place with excellent infrastructure and a high standard of living, offering lots of pathways to experience its modern spirit. As the most populous province in the nation and home to the seat of the federal government, Ontario is the beating heart of Canada that has a more dynamic and more upbeat rhythm of life than some other parts of the country. Its history is being written in real time and you become a part of it the moment you arrive.

Vibrant Hub for Economic, Intellectual, and Artistic Pursuits

No matter what you want to achieve in your life, Ontario is a great place to go after it. There is a relative abundance of high-paying job opportunities for highly skilled workers, but also access to higher education facilities needed to acquire in-demand skills. Those who are more interested in scientific or creative pursuits will find a huge number of options in Toronto and other centres of learning in the province. Many first-time visitors claim to be instantly inspired by this atmosphere.

Young people in particular can greatly benefit from sharing the space with so many unique minds with fresh ideas. Living in Ontario means being in touch with the latest trends in many different fields, and witnessing innovation from up close. On the flip side, constant influx of new people who bring different approaches has an enriching effect of the local scene, allowing for new directions to be tested. The end result is a constantly evolving melting pot of intellectual interactions that feels electrifying and invigorating to those immersed in it.

Passion for Sports and Gaming Activities

Unless you have watched a hockey or basketball game in person in Toronto, you might be surprised how competitive people here can get when sports are involved. Normally fine-mannered and highly cultured people turn into screaming maniacs when their teams are battling for glory, and you can see it firsthand if you visit any sports bar in downtown Toronto. It adds a touch of primal energy to an environment that is well organised and built to maximise convenience.

The competitive spirit translates into many other activities. It is no wonder that Ontario online casino industry is booming so quickly after it became fully legal. People like to test their skills and compete against their friends, so they are eager to embrace any new gaming formats without hesitation. To the credit of local sports fans, they tend to play by the rules and celebrate when they win, but also to be gracious when they end up empty handed.

Cultural Diversity and Internationalist Attitudes

Perhaps the most important aspect of local culture in Ontario is that there isn’t just one. There are bits and pieces originating from many sources, all coming together under a common identity. Ontario is very Canadian and offers all the typical charms the country is known for, but it’s also home to people from all over the world who brought something valuable with them. This starts just south of the border, as many American citizens routinely cross over for various reasons, crossing paths with Ontarians daily. On the other hand, northern portion of the province shares a lot of traits with Saskatchewan and Quebec.

People who move to Ontario have an easier time integrating precisely because the culture is so inclusive. The difference is particularly striking for those who arrive from a different continent and have limited command of the language. The ability to connect with many different ethnic groups and interpret Canadian culture through an internationalist lens softens the blow and allows new residents to move at their own pace rather than be forced into a complete assimilation too quickly.

Last Updated on May 30, 2025 by soubhik