Map of Southern Ontario

About Southern Ontario

Southern Ontario is Canada's most densely populated and economically vibrant region, home to over 12.5 million people—representing approximately 94% of Ontario's total population. This dynamic area encompasses the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the Golden Horseshoe economic region, the Niagara Peninsula, and southwestern Ontario extending to the Detroit River border. Despite covering only about 13% of Ontario's land area, Southern Ontario generates the majority of the province's GDP and serves as the economic engine of Canada.

The region centers on Toronto, Canada's largest city and financial capital, surrounded by major urban centers including Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Markham, and Vaughan. The Golden Horseshoe—a densely populated and industrialized region wrapping around the western end of Lake Ontario—encompasses cities like Hamilton (steel production), St. Catharines-Niagara (tourism and wine), and Kitchener-Waterloo (technology and manufacturing). Southwestern Ontario features important cities including London (education and healthcare), Windsor (automotive manufacturing), Sarnia (petrochemicals), and Guelph (agriculture and technology).

Southern Ontario's economy is highly diversified, spanning finance, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, education, tourism, and agriculture. The region boasts world-class universities, extensive transportation infrastructure including Highway 401 (North America's busiest highway), Pearson International Airport, and major international border crossings. Natural attractions include Niagara Falls, the Great Lakes shoreline, the Niagara Escarpment, and productive agricultural lands. Southern Ontario's combination of urban sophistication, economic opportunity, multicultural diversity, and proximity to the United States makes it the demographic and economic heart of Ontario and Canada.

Major Cities in Southern Ontario

• Toronto - Provincial capital and largest city
• Mississauga - Major suburban center
• Brampton - Fast-growing GTA city
• Hamilton - Steel city and port
• London - Southwestern Ontario hub
• Kitchener - Technology and manufacturing
• Waterloo - Innovation corridor
• Windsor - Border city and automotive center
• Guelph - Agricultural and tech hub
• Cambridge - Tri-city region
• St. Catharines - Niagara's garden city
• Niagara Falls - World-famous tourist destination