Toronto's history is deeply rooted in the land, with archaeological evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years. Indigenous peoples, including the Huron, Iroquois, and Ojibwe, used the area as a strategic route to the northwest. The Iroquois established two villages, Ganatsekwyagon and Teiaiagon, in the region during the 1660s, but by 1701, they were displaced by the Mississaugas following the Beaver Wars.

French traders established Fort Rouillé in 1750, but it was abandoned in 1759 after the British defeated the French during the Seven Years' War. This marked the beginning of British control over the region, which became part of the British colony of Quebec in 1763. The area saw an influx of United Empire Loyalists during the American Revolutionary War, and by 1787, the Toronto Purchase was negotiated with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, securing more than 250,000 acres of land.

In 1793, Governor John Graves Simcoe founded the town of York, naming it after Prince Frederick, Duke of York. York was chosen as the capital of Upper Canada due to its strategic location, with a garrison built to protect the town. During the War of 1812, York was captured and plundered by American forces during the Battle of York in 1813. Despite the destruction, the town continued to grow and, in 1834, was incorporated as the city of Toronto.

In the 19th century, Toronto became a major destination for immigrants, particularly following the Irish Great Famine. By 1851, the Irish were the largest ethnic group in the city, and Toronto was shaped by a blend of Irish, Scottish, and English influences. The city was briefly the capital of the united Province of Canada in the mid-19th century before Ontario became a province in 1867, with Toronto officially designated as its capital.

As Toronto continued to grow, it became an essential hub for politics, trade, and culture in Ontario, with significant developments including the relocation of the provincial legislature to Queen’s Park in 1893. From its Indigenous origins to its rise as Ontario's capital, Toronto’s history is a rich tapestry that continues to shape the city’s identity today.