6 Unique Ontario Quirks That Make Toronto Feel Like Home

Arriving in Toronto in 2022 from Australia, I've found myself constantly comparing the city to my home country. As the seasons change, I often reminisce about the little details that make Ontario feel like nowhere else. In this post, I'll share six of these unique quirks that remind me of home, and why they matter to expats and digital nomads like myself.

Driving by fresh Ontario corn stands in August

One of the first things that caught my attention was the sight of hand-painted signs advertising local corn along the country roads in August. It's a simple yet charming detail that, once gone, sticks out like a sore thumb. These signs, along with farm fields, gravel driveways, and roadside stands, are all part of the Ontario landscape. Now that I live in Toronto, I can't help but notice how different the signs are, or if they even exist at all.

Black squirrels, raccoons, and loons

The wildlife in Toronto is noticeably different from what I grew up with. Black squirrels, in particular, were so common in Ontario that I thought they were all black. It wasn't until I lived elsewhere that I realized this was a unique feature. Raccoons, while present in Toronto, are more of a nuisance than a common sight. And the eerie call of a loon at dusk? That's one of the sounds that instantly makes me homesick. Hearing it here in Toronto is a stark reminder of my roots.

Ontario's small town fall fairs

Every small town in Ontario seems to have a fall fair, and they're all similar in their own way. There's the ever-so-slightly questionable rides, candy apples, giant pumpkins, demolition derbies, and hordes of teenagers. For me, these fairs are a step back in time, a pocket of rural tradition that's hard to find elsewhere. They're a reflection of the rich culture and heritage of Ontario, and a reminder of the small town life I left behind.

Talking about the hydro bill

One of the most mundane but telling differences is the terminology. In Ontario, we call our electricity bill 'hydro.' It's a term that was so ingrained in my daily life that I never thought to question it. Now, in Toronto, I can't help but feel out of place when I see the term 'electricity bill' in a new context. It's a small but significant reminder of my home.