The Golden Horseshoe is a region in Ontario around Toronto along Lake Ontario. Although cities and towns in the Golden Horseshoe are spread over a large swath of land, they share a historic connection to Lake Ontario - either directly, with harbours for boating or great lakes shipping, or by way of the great rivers that powered mills in the villages that are today's suburban centres. The region's early prosperity still shapes the area today, and makes it one of Canada's most popular places to live, work, or visit.
{{Regionlist |region1name = Greater Toronto Area |region1color= |region1items= |region1description=located along the shore of Lake Ontario, from Oshawa in the east to Burlington in the west, with Toronto in the centre.
|region2name = Niagara Peninsula |region2color= |region2items= |region2description=bordered by Lake Ontario to the north, the Niagara River to the east, and Lake Erie to the south, and includes Niagara Falls, and parts of Hamilton. }}
The Golden Horseshoe is the most densely populated area of Ontario and economic powerhouse of Canada. In the earliest days of Ontario, the area was dotted with small towns and villages that served the vast farmland throughout Southern Ontario. In the second half of the 20th century, rapid population and economic growth around Toronto and affordable car transport led industry and residents to move further into the country; towns and farmland were developed into residential suburbs, shopping centres, and business parks, all connected by a new network of roads and highways.
Except for the oldest suburbs, the majority of suburban neighbourhoods were developed for the car, and can thus be a considerable distance from the employment or entertainment centres. Often, the 'main street' of the pre-existing towns will be preserved and will be distinct from the newer residential areas. However, it is no longer necessarily the hub of the surrounding area; most locals will do day-to-day shopping and errands at larger retail plazas and shopping malls. Every suburban town and city has at least a few places worth seeing, including unique restaurants and popular attractions, but more planning could be required to make good use of time while exploring suburban areas.
If you're willing to spend an hour or two driving, the Golden Horseshoe area offers many opportunities for day and weekend trips year-round that suit every interest; there are very few things that you won't be able to buy or do somewhere in this region.
The largest bus terminal, the Union Station Bus Terminal, is used for intercity coach travel and is served by Megabus, New York Trailways, and Ontario Northland. Some cities have smaller stops or stations also served by these carriers on routes to Toronto.
Passenger trains in the area run into and out of Toronto Union Station. Domestic service across Canada is provided by VIA Rail. VIA Rail also serves stations elsewhere in the region, including Brampton, Burlington, Georgetown, Mississauga, Niagara Falls, Oakville, and Oshawa.
Although traffic can be heavy, there are several major highways through the region. Highway 401 serves Windsor and Detroit in the west, and Montreal in the east. Highway 400 connects to highways serving Northern Ontario. The QEW serves Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
For longer distance trips within the region, driving is the most common method of getting around. Highways and roads are well maintained, and well marked by directional signage to cities, connecting routes, and major attractions.
Parking downtown is rather abundant, with many large garages notably the one under City Hall and the garage under Yonge-Dundas Square.
Intercity and GO Transit commuter rail & bus are reliable options for getting around, but most routes are oriented through Toronto, and a connection will most likely be necessary.
Travelling within Toronto, transit is a good choice, especially downtown. The subways and streetcars are frequent and reliable but avoid peak hours whereas, with many cities, all transportation modes are packed to the brim. (The most commuter-chaos station is Bloor-Yonge!)
Get a Presto card if you will be either staying in or travelling throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Outside the GTA, Presto is also valid in Hamilton and Ottawa. GO Transit and the UP Express from Toronto Pearson Airport also use Presto.
Most cities and towns operate some public transit, and neighbouring transit systems will often connect at key terminals. Local transit is not always an efficient way to travel across entire cities. Even services that run from one end of town to the other are primarily used to serve many streets and points en route.
To get to Niagara Falls, ride the Niagara Weekend GO Train to Niagara Falls from Toronto Union Station or hop on a GO bus from Burlington station.
Toronto is a very diverse city. There are all sorts of foods from around the world. If you've never really eaten food from around the world, Toronto is a great place to do so. From Chinatown to Little Italy to Greektown, try a new dish every time! All easily accessible via the TTC.
Toronto is a very safe city, with a low violent and property crime rate. However, as with all large cities, simple precautions should be taken. If there is an emergency, dialling 911 will reach police, fire and paramedics.
Unless it is snowing or raining heavily, it is typical to drive 10 km/h above the speed limit on roads outside of downtown Toronto. On highways, drivers are expected to drive at 10 to 15 km/h above the posted speed limit. It is common to see drivers being ticketed for driving 10+ km/h below the highway's speed limit because it creates a hazard for other road users as other cars have to swerve around or brake hard to avoid the slow driver.
Every year, many people who live in the Golden Horseshoe are taken completely by surprise that winter has arrived. Winter driving can be a concern on some days, especially at the beginning of winter; two of the photos on the winter driving page were taken on Highway 404 in the Greater Toronto Area. In winter, drivers are expected to adhere to the speed limit.